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Which Tube Preamp under $10K?

I am seeking to replace my Audio Research LS16. $10K is a hard upper limit which must include a phono stage. It matters not if it is built-in or a separate component, but It should be decent. So, in terms of a new line stage for $8500 or less, I'm currently considering The CJ CT5, one of the VACs, the VTL 6.5 and perhaps the BAT 31SE or not yet released ARC LS26. I am driving a pair of Bel Canto Evo 2 Gen II monoblocks which are driving B&W Nautilus 803s. I like the tube sound, maybe even on the sweet side for some tastes. The older CJ gear has always been a touch dark for me, but the newer stuff is said to have lightened up considerably. So, speed, dimensionality and a tubelike upper midrange are where I want to go with this purchase. All comments and suggestions welcome.
pscialli
audiokinesis
2,753 posts
 
Since your Bel Canto has balanced inputs, you might consider the Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamp with phono stage. Frankly I have no first-hand (or even second-hand) experience with the combination, but if your priorities are "speed, dimensionality, and tubelike upper midrange" then Atma-Sphere is well worth considering. I can tell you that Atma-Sphere preamps work very well with Jeff Rowland's IcePower amplifiers, which are conceptually similar to the Bel Canto unit. Ralph Karsten (of Atma-Sphere) thinks his preamps are a more significant step up than his well-respected OTL amplifiers are. I can tell you that the phono stage in the MP-1 is superb. Oh in case it isn't obvious by now, I'm an Atma-Sphere dealer. If by chance you don't have an Atma-Sphere dealer nearby and might be interested, give me a holler.

Best of luck in your quest!

Duke
c123666
871 posts
 
McIntosh makes a lovely tube preamp; ie, the c22 reissue and the c2200.
raquel
841 posts
 
This is where Judy 426 comes in and advises you to spend $5k on a preamp, and $5k for speakers to replace your B&W N803's. I agree with her (you did write "[A]ll comments and suggestions welcome").
pscialli OP
80 posts
 
Yes, all comments are fine. The B&Ws may go at some point, but that may be a more significant move like up to the smaller Wilsons or Rockports, etc. As for Atma-Sphere. I've never heard the stuff and don't know of a dealer nearby. I guess it's time to find one so I can take a listen.

Peter
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