2. amps-preamps
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What tube pre amp for live sound on rock and roll

Ok guy's I think I'm ready to purchase a tube preamp.
I listen to classic rock and heavy metal.All electrical guitars with drums.Don't forget that drum beat is sometimes a quick beat double bass.

I have read that SS preamps are better for quick dynamic music and bass.
Maby so, BUT they are also known for being sterile, analitical, and flat sounding.This is something I want to get away from.

Yes I know about the CJ PFR, but I think I want to take the leap to a tube pre for liveliness and an SS amp for power.I do on occasion "CRANK IT UP".

I am looking for a live sound with raw emotion.Not something that will recreate the fluttering of a lady bug's wings that was outside the studio when they were recording.

I think my Meridian 508.24 CDP doe's a prety good gob of info retrieval in that department.I connected it to my Yamaha DSP-A1 (I know I know) using Cardas Golden reference connects.

Keep in mind I am assembling a seperate two channel system for music and I am just using the DSP-A1 because that's all I in the pre/power department, for now.

Don't get me wrong, I like detail, I just don't wan't to give up emotion and enveloping sound.

I have heard that Audio Research and Conrad Johnson make the most musical and dynamic pre's.

I would realy like to purchase a Audio Research Reference 2 but cant afford one, even used.

I started looking for good reviews and realistic prices. I found positive things said about the LS2,LS22 and the LS5.
It seems that some of you believe that the LS5 is definately the way to go.

My question to you good folks is:

Do you think that the LS5 is the right choice for me and my
music?

Remember low bass performance is also important.

Thank's in advance for your input.
tweakster
audioman4
174 posts
 
I am in love with my ARC ls-7. I have upgraded rocket logo tubes from Upscale and run a Sonic Frontiers sfs 80 and power Mirage m5si speakers. The m5s have 2 6.5 inch drivers and the bass and midbass response is fantastic. Low deep and accurate. Midbass is musical and kick drums are tight and realistic. With the right tubes, any of the ARCs you mentioned will be great. The LS-7 is about 700 used... a bargain to say the least!!
Happy listening,
Joe
Custom Audio LLC
foreverhifi
229 posts
 
I've owned plenty of preamps over the years, including several audio research "tubies". It's like anything else, you give em a try! Ifyou don't like it, move on. With the right tubes it would be as good as you'll ever need(from your description), if you chose something you mentioned in that line, yes!
Critically speaking, the AR pre's are a bit fat or warm in the upper/mid-bass from dead neutral. This is workable, and overall they will sound very very good for your dubties and likely equipment. I would own one again, as I know what they are capable of. For the money, not much is better in a pre amp used, for certain. Overall the AR pre's are stelar for the bucks, and I see no need for you to have to spend mondo bucks for a used Ref 2! A used LS5,7,22, etc will be fine with upgraded tubes.
Call one of the "tube-guru's" out there and tell em you got an AR preamp that has a bit of a bumped up bass sound, and they can better match a possibly "leaner tube" compliment!
Good luck
kirk930's avatar
kirk930
285 posts
 
maybe the b.a.t preamps would be worth a listen. jadis are hard to beat i like the cj gear very much as well.
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