Conrad Johnson, that is all
Recommendation for tube preamp
Hi, all. Initially I was going to ask, which would you rather own – Audio Research LS2B or (BAT) VK-3i? But realized I’m sure there are plenty of other tube options. As you can gather, I’m looking at around $2000 range. It will be driving ML 27.5 amp, which is partly why I’m looking specifically at balanced options. But I guess there’s no harm in using unbalanced>balanced cables? I listen mostly to jazz on vinyl, so I enjoy the details but not to clinical levels where it’s dry. I want warmth. Fine with a phono stage included, but not needed.
Appreciate any insight. Thanks.
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- 55 posts total
@jlbkmb1958 Yes. The first balanced tube phono sections were made by Atma-Sphere in 1989. |
@jlbkmb1958 Yes. The first balanced tube phono sections were made by Atma-Sphere in 1989.
\I'm confused. How do the design a balanced phono stage without any solid state components in the signal path? |
I've had my ML 27.5 (and ML 23) for about twenty years now, but it has been sitting idle in a cabinet for several years since going all in on Conrad Johnson. For many years the ML 27.5 was fed by a Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 double chassis preamp. Connections were made via XLR cables and the sound was wonderful. After acquiring my CJ GAT S1, I briefly used that in place of the SF pre and it was excellent as well until buying CJ LP275M mono blocks. Remember, if you go CJ for a preamp, you will need the Camac connectors to get the RCA cables to feed into the ML amp. |
- 55 posts total