2. amps-preamps
  3. 188088-172210

Help With New Preamp Decision

Like most of us, I am constantly in the process of slowly (as funds allow) upgrading my system to what most would consider "mid fi" or low end "hi fi". I have been reading a lot lately on the subject of SQ upgrades, and what comes up frequently is that the preamplifier might be the foundation of moving to the next level as I upgrade.

True or not, that is the direction I have decided to go....my virtual system is listed. And yes I know I need to upgrade other components as well, so I'd like to keep this on the idea of a preamp.

In doing a LOT of research, I've come across several preamps that I am most interested in and would appreciate some ideas/thoughts/input/recommendations. I want fully balanced XLR with RCA inputs and outputs,  be tube based, and I have no need or desire for a phone input. Max budget is $6,000.....or just a few shekels more.

(1) Aric Audio Motherlode XL $6,125 - Incredible reviews, Aric has a phenomenal reputation, and seems to be an all around great builder in this field - https://aricaudio.com/products.php?product=MLXL

(2) Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4 $5,000 - I have this lower on my wish list, as it is Backert's entry level preamp, what I'd really like is the Rhumba Extreme....but no way I can justify the $8,500 price. And finding a used Rhumba Extreme 1.3 has proved impossible, though I'm not opposed to it. 

(3) Don Sachs and Lynn Olson new Raven (Revolution) preamp $5,000 - His reputation alone makes this preamp important, and he is an all around great and giving guy of his time. I've communicated several times with Don, and he flat out tells me this is the best preamp he has ever designed by far and is a "cost no object" project. I think that production starts Jan/Feb this year (being built by Spatial Audio Labs) 

 

(4) Atma-Sphere MP3 Mk 3.3 $5,650 - Venerable favorite, it's a well known and well reviewed product http://www.atma-sphere.com/en/mp-3.html

(5) Linear Tube Audio MicorZOTL $5,750 with balanced inputs and Level 2, see this well reviewed and well thought of brand a lot  

 

Thank you in advance for your input

vthokie83
vthokie83 OP
645 posts
 

Yowser,

I heard the Rhumba 1.4 and the Rhumba Extreme 1.4, but the standard Rhumba was outclassed by the Rogue RP-9 and certainly by the Rhumba Extreme; and it did not sound congested....but I do not remember which tubes came with the stock unit. At that quality level, I bet it comes down to system synergy, and the NOS tubes are a better match. I replaced all "re-issue" tubes in my amp with NOS tubes, and that made the difference.

Aric Kimball (Aric Audio)

vthokie83 OP
645 posts
 

Sorry, that last post got cut off.

Aric Kimball suggested the NOS tubes supplied with his amp were excellent, but I did order it with the upgraded Sylvania "Bad Boy" tubes. I was willing to upgrade elsewhere if Aric thought it was warranted, but the 6SN7 tubes were the only place he suggested.

scottya118
136 posts
 

I am a 1.3 extreme owner. I wish to touch on one topic only; that being choice of music. If you do get one of these be aware it will show every piece of beauty and flaws from a signal. In many ways it's a slave to the signal and simply a straight line with gain. But I would never dream of starting a system without a preamp. Very neutral with a sight tinge of tube. 

biglou13
28 posts
 

Stay away from those high priced boutique brands . I always took the Prima Luma pill. That guy Kevin is heck of salesman . It has to been a reason why so many of the are on the pre owned market .

gryphongryph
351 posts
 

I chose a Supratek Cabernet a few years ago, had some problems with it initially and had to ship it back for new power supply, was thinking about the Moderlode from Aric Audio, Aric was great to correspond with also, I choose to give Mick a chance to repair my pre amp and am very happy I did that, the Cabernet sounds fantastic with my Belles sa30 power amp, so I am very happy.

Choosing a tube pre, one has to know what kind of sound one wants, in my humble opinion if the sound is close to a solid state sound, then I would just choose a solid state one, no tube hassle 😜.

For me I would not hesitate buying a Supratek again as the sound is sublime, also buying from Aric would be very tempting, reading all the positive reviews and feedback from consumers, also I don’t think there is a much nicer or helpful guy in audio.

More to discover