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
aball
2,018 posts
 
Hack: How do the 3i and 30 compare? Arthur
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uru975
684 posts
 
I would agree with the CJ 17LS I have the step up, the Premier 16LS and now when I go to hear speakers, I am in the upgrade mode, I have to take it with me. CJ's sound is music in a way that other preamps just do not do it for me.
jond's avatar
jond
5,845 posts
 
I had and loved a Supratek Syrah and I now have a Herron VTSP1A that I love as well. For me the Supratek gave the music a more emotional, alive feel, but the Herron is much quieter giving more detail with a bit less emotion. Both great preamps.
eddaytona
216 posts
 
"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!"

Man, it better be at 3 times the price!
semi
649 posts
 
another bargain at that price range is Sonic Frontiers Line 3, throw in some NOS later and you have a world class pre.
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