2. amps-preamps
  3. 135481-18254

Best tube preamp for Quicksilver V4 tube mono's (newest KT150 version)

Just purchased a pair of Quicksilver V4 mono tube amps, the newest KT150 version.  Will be arriving this coming Wednesday.

http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/v4/

Single ended
Input impedance is 100 K ohms
Input sensitivity is 1.5 volts

Now need to purchase a nice preamp.  Would like to get the most 'bang for buck' by getting a very nice condition used pre-amp.

On my radar so far is:

EAR 868
Audible Illusions M3b or L3a
Herron VTSP-360

I have had 2 different AI M3a pre-amps in the past, so I am very familiar with Audible Illusions 'sound'... not sure what is the differences between the AI M3b and AI L3a, besides the M3b having  phono stage options and the L3a remote controlled volume?

No experience with Herron or EAR, but from what I have read EAR, if compatible, may be the best performing?

Suggestions greatly appreciated. 

Also would like to hear from other V4 owners.


Rick
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrich121
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Excellent point. This is indeed a concern. I have heard the Monbrison and Aurieges are even tougher to match, having no transformer in the output stage. The Massetto and up the line do have one. I believe the VR and above have a smaller stepped VC, allowing for more incremental choices from low to high. My plan is to demo the Quicksilver prior to buying. Hard to wrong with CJ...I really liked the Premier 16 and Art, in that late 90's vintage. I may be off on vintage, if not early 2000's. If you're all digital, perhaps CJ. The Shindo gives you a nice phono section though. 
mesch
3,520 posts
 
I recently purchased a Aric Audio all tube preamp. It has variable gain (0-20 dB), 300ohm output impedance, 100K ohm input impedance. 
mesch
3,520 posts
 
Forgot to add, I have the  Aric Audio Special.
decooney
2,113 posts
 
@mesch
Forgot to add, I have the Aric Audio Special.


That Aric Special seems like a nice little preamp. Attention to detail, caps, adj gain feature too - nice. It’s great to see folks trying different preamps with the QS amps to get the best out of them. I’ve noticed quite a difference with the most subtle changes to preamps, preamp input tubes, cap changes, vintage input tubes in the amps themselves.

>> using different 6SN7s in the preamp other than re-issue TS 6SN7s...<< vintage RCA or Sylvania black plates, Sophia Electric Blues / TJ Full Music / Northern Electric. Was a game changer for my own QS amps.

Mesch,
Have you messed around yet with swapping out the vanilla stock re-issue TS 6SN7s that came with your Aric-Special preamp?

mesch
3,520 posts
 
Decooney,thanks for the support on my purchase decision.  I have not tried tube rolling with this pre. I have owned it about a month. My approach is to live with it as is to enjoy and better understand what it is providing towards my listening experience. I am considering the purchase of a tube amplifier, stereo or monos, not sure. Considering Aric Audio or Quicksilver.  
More to discover