2. amps-preamps
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Give me a tube preamp that looks and sound great

Just looking for a tube preamp that is quiet, has great extension and realism, and is aroung 2000 USD. I've got an Audio Research SP 16L now and want to take things a step above. I use an Odyssey Dual mono amp and Dynaudio Contour 1.3 MKII speakers. I've begun to investigate the Supratek Chardonnay and Dehavillard preamps. My styles of listening run the gamet with focus on rock, jazz, and folk. Thanks to all for you opinions. I do like the look of outboard tubes too.
canucks0
kw6
692 posts
 
Hi,

I use to own the SP16L. I now own the c-j !7LS Series 2. The SP16L is good hi-fi and the 17LS is music!

Good Luck!
spacekadet
63 posts
 
McIntosh C2200. Very musical tube preamp.
hack
185 posts
 
I had a few different ARC's and moved up to a BAT 30 preamp three years ago. I'm very satisfied with the preamp, even bought a 3i for a second system.
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,613 posts
 
Sonic Euphoria or Placette Passive

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ddpreatran&1115845347
kgturner's avatar
kgturner
663 posts
 
i once had the arc sp-16l and now i have a supratek chardonnay. though i had some other pre's between the two, i don't remember the arc exhibiting as much emotion as the supratek does. the supratek just brings out the life, body, and emotion of the music better in my opinion. there's a used one for sale here right now (not mine) so you might could go that route and save time (6-7 months) and money.
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