+2 for Backert Labs. Outstanding piece of equipment.
Help recommend a good tube preamp
I am looking for recommendations for a good, fully balanced tube preamp (< $4k - $12k) for my system:
DAC: Holo May
Power amp: Hegel H30 (input impedance (balanced / XLR) = 25k ohms)
Speakers: Focal Maestro Utopia III
Room: 20ft X 21ft
Music: mostly jazz / classical. Some classic rock.
Preamps tried before: McIntosh C2600, Hegel P30, Holo Serene, Rogue RP5
Constraints: output impedance should not be high (as my amplifier’s input impedance is quite low)
I tried C2600 (but with different amp / speakers).
Recently, I tried Rogue RP5 - sounded great but it does not have XLR out (H30’s unbalanced input impedance is a measly 9.6 kilo ohms). So, a natural recommendation would be the Rogue Audio RP7 - except that in the Stereophile review’s measurements section, John Atkinson recommends not using the pre with amps with less than 30k input impedance (affects low frequency response).
Thanks.
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What preamp are you using now, and what kind of sound characteristics/improvements are you looking for?
@soix the details are in the opening post. |
If you liked the Rogue RP-5 but want balanced I have a Rogue RP-7 that I just haven't gotten around to listing yet but will be doing soon. I've done a fair amount of tube rolling and it current has all NOS amperex 12au7 in it. The tubes alone are worth $500 or so. I have the original JJ tubes as well. I'll give you a good deal on the unit and tubes if you'd like. |
AUDIO RESEARCH REFERENCE 5 SE, 6, 6 SE VTL TL 7.5 MCINTOSH LABS 2700? I have owned the Mac 2200 and it was very enjoyable, I am currently using the 5SE and think it is a next level pre. Holographic soundstage and a step deeper into the music. It really shines in detail and a natural lifelike presentation. I was surprised how much better it was than my MC2200 which was a great preamp. |
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- 66 posts total