2. amps-preamps
  3. 988063736

Need SS preamp that sounds like tube .

I love the tube sound, but I don't necessarily want the tubes. I currently run a CJ PV12. Does anyone have any ideas? My main problem is that auditioning is limited in my area. I am pretty confident that the SS CJ stuff will sound tube-like. But I don't even think there is a dealer in my area. Some needed information: run a Bryston 4B-ST for power, Meridian 508.24 for CD, some PMC FB-1 monitors for speakers, silver Audioquest cable all around. I would like to keep the damage under 5K. As for auditions in my area, I can probably find Bryston, Audio Research, Aragon, Meridian. Oh, I'm sure these stores are authorized dealers for a lot of stuff, but they don't carry some of the pricy brands in stock or as demo. Help would be appreciated.
argent
edle
235 posts
 
If you like tube sound, you should stick to a "REAL" tube preamp. There are absolutely no substitute!!!!!
leafs
414 posts
 
SS preamps can not give you real tube sound.Try a Rogue 66.
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
I digress, but good to know Ken that I am not the only one to believe that solid state pre with valve power is a better combination than the other way around. The High End took a wrong turn when it went the way of "difficult to drive" speakers, demanding "big brute" power amps that never sound musical (unless you spend mega-bucks). And then to fix this people have used a band-aid approach by employing warm and lush tube preamps. Fortunately the High End has made the U-turn and we are getting speakers that are easier to drive.
pcc
150 posts
 
Check out the Bat, you won't be disappointed. A used Bat vk3i should run you under 1,500 with remote(this is a tube preamp). I've seen them as low as 1,000. When new they were about 3,500. Great surenergy with the bat vk200 used about 1,700 new they are 3,500. I own the bat vk200 and it is rated at 100 watts, what a joke. My old bryston 3bst was rated at 125 and the bat blew it away. Sounds closer to 200 watts. Good luck.
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
I musta bin a bad Audiogon citizen when I made that last post, coz I have negative votes. Having seen the error of my ways and being truly remorseful (but not offering reparations), I will refrain from posting opinions that do not conform to conventional wisdom, thereby making this site more comfortable for those that only want to hear what they already believe. Yeah right! Whoever gave me the negative votes... you are a poxy moron! Put up or shut up!
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