2. amps-preamps
  3. 1046795315

What Preamp for ML Sequals & ESL amp?

Would like to get into "tubes," but recently purchased a pair of Martin Logan Sequals and an ESL amp for them. Got my eyes on a Shanling T-100- and would like to benefit from the tubes. Should I get a tube preamp? Or will a SS preamp suffice? Any suggestions on preamp brands/models, as well as technical info on the concerns of voltage, and ideal matching (re: the electrostatics) and how this will effect the performance of the ML's.

Thank you in advance!!!!!
keerwilson
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Tube preamps are a great idea, but they all sound different tonally speaking. Same with CDP's, in fact. If i had to choose only one tube component it would be the pre amp. What what flavor sound do you expect from your pre-amp and CDP? Warm, cold, neutral, etc. From what i understand your speakers and amp probably would be on the cool side. By the way you might like to do a little bit of research on the Shanling - it seems to be getting some bad press, i.e. looks good but sound or quality control isn't up to par.
mkfischer2000
28 posts
 
Long time M/L owner (7 pairs in 16 years). My Conrad Johnson premier 17 is the best I've heard in 3dsound staging, detail, and openess. Works great with M/L's. Can't recommend enough!
keerwilson OP
2 posts
 
Tanks newbee - you are correct about the bad press which is why I'm also considering the Roksan Caspian....but again at this point not even sure I want to go tube on the cd player unless I can get a great tube preamp match for my system.
Running the tube preamp warm - not hot - would seem the way to go....

to MKfischer - I did peak at the Conrad Johnson as well as the BAT VK50.....agree that it would prob sound great with the logans, but what about a SS powerhouse amp like the innersound? Tanks!
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