Tube preamp with Adcom amp

If you want a tubey sound, Conrad is a good way to go. Maybe others. Audio Research is more solid state sounding generally except maybe their earlier examples.

elliottbnewcombjr

I wouldn't use the Chase remote controller because it affects the sound so adversely especially the phono. We used to sell them to non audiophiles that cared little about sound.

I've been using a BAT VK-3IX for several years with many different SS amps, from class A to class D, with great success.  I'm always amazed that BAT is rarely suggested in these types of posts....

Just be careful of impedance matching as others have said.  Some tube preamps have an output impedance that can rise to over 1kohm.

I started my mid-fi journey with NAD, then Adcom.  my hi-fi started when I added a CJ PV12-L for a preamp with the Adcom 5400.  I have never heard depth in soundstage like that first listen.  Always targeted the L-R soundstage but the CJ was 3D.
I regret giving it up, but it got noisy and balance was off. in hindsight, probably should have replaced all the tubes and would still have it feeding into a Rotel 1080- similar to the adcom, but slightly more coherent.

Following this thread because trying to decide if I can go back.  New speakers are ML ESL-X, the motion XT60 did better with the Rogue Chronus integrated, but the ESL might prefer with  the 200w Rotel.  the Chronus has preamp outs, so going to try it out.

I have decided to go with CJ. There are two CJ preamp near me that I am interested in but cant decide. The two preamp are a PV7 or PV10AL. Both seem to be in great condition. What would be the difference? Thanks