2. amps-preamps
  3. 1068247766

Does this tube preamp exist?

G'day all,

The system (home office):

Classe Audio DR-8 Amplifier
YBA CD Integre CD Player
Pioneer TX 9500 II Tuner
Martin Logan Aerius Speaker
Goertz M1 6' balanced flat cable Interconnect
Synergistic Research AC Reference Power cords
QED Silver Anniversary bi-wire Speaker cable
Atlantic Reference 5-shelf stand Stand
Micheal Green Room tunes Tweak
Toshiba SD 3900 DVD Player
Toshiba 14AF43 14" TV

The room: 12' by 14' with a bunch of office stuff in it

Musical preference: classic rock, some acoustic

I'd like to try tubes in this system, I'm going cross-eyed going through the classifieds and forum topics looking for a tube preamp that meets my needs. What I need from the ultimate tube pre for this system:

- Price has to be around $750 (used)
- Must have a remote control
- Very strong preference for balanced outputs
- Need four single-ended inputs (no phono)
- Prefer black colored face plate

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks, Jeff
jeffloistarca
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
Hi guys,

I looked at SF and Melos; I know Melos went under and I suspect SF is heading that way (if they haven't closed up shop already). It's always nice to know you can get your stuff serviced if need be. I'll certainly look at the PV11, didn't see any when I was browsing but then again, I had to give up cuz I was cross-eyed. Thanks, Jeff
pug
34 posts
 
How about a Rogue Audio 66 linestage w/remote? Has everything you want except balanced outs.
elgordo
530 posts
 
Audio Research LS-9 meets your specifications. I use one and it's great.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
With all due respect to Soundwatts the PV-11 doesn't come with a remote and no c-j has balanced in-puts or out-puts. Sonic Frontiers is out of business, but, one of the original owners has set up a new shop that specializes in parts and is maintaining as well as offering up grades on Sonic Frontier gear. An unusual set of circumstances that should negate your otherwise very real concern. The SF stuff is reputed to be a very good match with Classe', and not because they are both from Canada.
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
The LS-9 appears to be a Solid State preamp, although it does meet the rest of my criteria. I looked at Rogue but again, I want to stay balanced if possible. The SF stuff is intriguing; whether or not Chris keeps on working on them is up in the air (I imagine he will). Not fond of the gold face plate at all... I know some have black face plates as well. A few more bucks but at this point I'm leaning heavily towards a BAT VK-3i. I honestly had no idea my wish list would make it so difficult to come up with a list of contenders. Thanks, Jeff
More to discover