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Tube Preamp Recommendations

I’m looking to get a tube preamp in the near future. Budget is $1k, but might go up to $1.5k. The Freya+ is one that I’m considering. What else is out there in my price range? The preamp will be fed by a SMSL SU-9 DAC. My amp is an upgraded Quad 405, which I recently acquired, and the speakers are AR Classic Series 18.
terrapin77
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
terrapin77 OP
The DAC is currently going straight into the amp

You really need to spend just the $49 on the Schiit Sys first. ( you can send it back for full refund)
As I’m sure 100% you were "bit stripping" the dac with 5.4v output "turned way down", into the Quad which only needs 0.5v in for full clipping wattage.

Cheers George
terrapin77 OP
87 posts
 
Thanks George!  I will check out the Sys.  The only reason I'm going DAC into amp right now is the buzzing from the 66 is annoying AF!! I wonder if it's the SU-9 causing it.  Wish I had a spare DAC to test. 
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
@terrapin77, could the buzzing just be a ground loop? Try a cheater plug and if that doesn't work, ask Rogue before giving up on the Magnum. Cheers.
Spencer
schubert
7,386 posts
 
+1 for the Van Alstine , only 1 tube but still is "tubey" .

His service is the  best  I have ever had in 50 years .
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I picked up a refurnished/upgraded Modwright SWL 9.0 Line Stage from Dan Wright, and I couldn't be happier.

Just another thing to think about.

Regards,
Dan
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