2. amps-preamps
  3. 188523-188410

Preamp advice

Hi, I am quite new to this hobby.

I currently have a MC 275 mark 6, running with Klipsch La scalas and Sansui AU9900 as preamp. I know the MC tube  preamps are a dream machine to pair with the MC 275 but i need recommendations on any other non MC solid/ tube preamps which can be used with my setup.

Always grateful for your recomendations.

Thank you

tubesound247
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
488 posts
 

+1 Linear Tube Audio microZOTL. Excellent sounding and very reasonably priced.  Luxman CL-38uC. Excellent sounding, high gain.

p05129
483 posts
 

Why do you need a preamp? If you are all digital, skip the preamp and go straight from the dac to your amp. But you need a good dac with a quality volume control that is quiet.

frankmc195's avatar
frankmc195
141 posts
 

I have a Vac renaissance mk3 with my MC275 and it sounds wonderful (that's tubes on tubes). You can't really find them so maybe one of the newer Vac preamps should do nicely. 

east17
19 posts
 

Primaluna tube amps should be considered. 

vthokie83
658 posts
 

Tubesound247,

I just went on a preamp listening tour, and listened to quite a few preamps in person: Rogue Audio RP9, BAT VK-80, Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4, Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.4, used ARC REF 5SE. Of those my favorites were the BAT VK-80 and Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme. I could have lived with the Rogue RP9, had I not heard the BAT and Backert.

In the end I ended up buying an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, the idea of a point to point wired and easily upgradable preamp (along with only amazing reviews), and having heard another of Aric's preamps.....was the deciding factor.

More to discover