Along with my recommendation of the Erhard Audio Aretha tone control pre-amp w/phono (had for ~year or so now) wonderful sounding, super clean & clear, made in USA, affordable with strikingly good old school looks. I'd recommend that you consider the system matching before purchasing. These boutique products sound good and can be great with used within the same line. Oh...and mine has a loudness switch that I'll take all the way to the bank!
Tube Preamp - What to buy?
Looking to take my first venture into the tube world and going with a tube preamp. My budget is up to $2500 and willing to buy used or new however realize with my budget that used is probably a better path. I would like to have a built-in MM phone stage. I am use to having a remote and tone controls, so that would be nice however not a necessity.
For further information my speakers are Revel Performa3 F206 and the current amp(s) is Conrad Johnson SA-250 and I also have a Rotel RB1552. I many be looking for an amp upgrade in the future, but one thing at a time.
So far I have been looking at used Audio Research and Conrad Johnson preamps but very open to opinions on brand and model. Thanks and I look forward to your opinions and experiences.
For further information my speakers are Revel Performa3 F206 and the current amp(s) is Conrad Johnson SA-250 and I also have a Rotel RB1552. I many be looking for an amp upgrade in the future, but one thing at a time.
So far I have been looking at used Audio Research and Conrad Johnson preamps but very open to opinions on brand and model. Thanks and I look forward to your opinions and experiences.
- ...
- 78 posts total
coltrane1- Sound advice from @millercarbon! $2500 is the range of many fine integrated’s. Solve your amp problems. Buy an integrated. I bought a Willsenton KT88 for $1280 delivered. I spent $600 on tube upgrades. It drives my Martin Logan Spires just perfectly. What does $2500 buy today besides a used BAT. That wouldn’t be bad but I wouldn’t invest that kind of money into a 20 year old preamp. Buy new and save some money. Buy a tube integrated! It’s all the power your speakers need, imo. Exactly. Especially since at this price point the OP can easily get the superb Raven Nighthawk https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/nighthawk-mk3-tube-amplifier/ Yes, it is a couple hundred bucks over budget. So sell your amps. The Raven is better anyway. The Nighthawks 20 tube watts is equivalent to your CJ 125 SS pretend watts. Don't take my word for it, do a search, read the people with 88dB speakers with a Raven who now like me laugh at the idea all watts are the same. They are not. Not even. DYODD. You will also be able to sell whatever interconnect and power cord no longer needed. All because you were wise enough to switch to integrated. |
| Post removed |
- 78 posts total