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Balanced Line Stage Tube Preamps

A recent balanced tube preamp shopper asked for opinions on Rogue vs ARC, ending up with a strong verdict for the Cary -05. Just wondering where the PrimaLuna EVO 400 might fit in this discussion. Functionality is pretty much identical across the board for all: 2 XLRs, 3 RCAs in, and both out. I don't need Cary's headphone section but do really need a remote. Question is all about the sonics. Fellow tube sound fans say Rogue is too dry and clinical. But what about PL? I wouldn't expect it to match Cary or ARC (or C-J) in an ideal room, but is it more tube-y than Rogue? (I do need 2 XLR and 3 RCA, so less versatile candidates need not apply).

 

hickamore
hickamore OP
671 posts
 

@atmasphere Hope you enlightened the reviewers who are telling readers you don't have features that you clearly do have (not that I noticed on website). If tape monitor inputs function just the same as any other RCAs, then that wouldn't be a problem, thanks.

@steakster Silver/remote was just clarified without a phone call, see above. Otherwise, I will gladly call any mfr or dealer whose product interests me enough to inquire further. Thanks to suggestions here plus online reading, that list has now been culled to 4 or 5.

phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 

@bdp24 

I absolutely love my EAR 868. Clearly Art Dudley has good taste.  :)    For me it is all about and only about the sound.  EAR Yoshino delivers in spades. 

retiredfarmer's avatar
retiredfarmer
346 posts
 

If you are looking around on the used market I would look for a sonic frontier line three or a  BAT the higher up the food chain the better. 

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,819 posts
 

Me too @phcollie! I do wish it included a balance control and mode switch, then I could get rid of my ARC LS-1.

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