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Balanced Tube Preamps I Should Try

I am looking for a balanced tube preamp to mate with either my Pass X-250 or Sim Audio W-5 amps. I think the amps sound better using the balanced inputs. I would like a tube preamp with remote control if I can find a very good one. Price range would be $5K retail.

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
aball
2,016 posts
 
McIntosh C2200. Amazing preamp. There are many previous threads where it is discussed. As a bonus to the sound, it has every feature you could want and most of them are on the remote. I will get one one day. It will deliver the tube sound you are looking for. Let us know what you decide. Arthur
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Sonic Frontiers Line 3 SE.
budrew
467 posts
 
The Mcintosh C2200 is not fully balanced, but it is, as Aball stated, an outstanding preamp. I've had it for about a year now and just won't let it go. A recent issue of Hifi+ gave it rave reviews. They honestly did not expect much (Mcintosh, lawyers and dentists...), but were extremely impressed calling it the most fun they've had in a long time.
aball
2,016 posts
 
Yes, it is true, the C2200 isn't fully balanced. You need the C200 for that but it is more than $5000 and not tubed. I guess there aren't many balanced tubed preamps afterall. Arthur
jazzdude
332 posts
 
You have limited choices. BAT, Sonic Frontiers, Supratek are the few that come to mind. Personally I wouldn't get a tube preamp that has both balanced inputs and outputs.
Truly balanced preamps are always push-pull configuration. Most people will prefer a SET preamp.
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