Tube Preamp vs Solid State

Many thanks guys for your inputs!
You are right Georgelofi about the Ayon S5's volume control, it does work pretty well connected directly to the Karan amp.
Ayon is probably the only brand to date that make tube network players.
I was able to compare it directly to the Lumin S1 and for me the Ayon S5 goes much further.
Jafant VTL is the other brand that i was really thinking of for preamp with the VAC.
The cables are the French Brand "Esprit" with their Lumina speaker, interconnects and power cords.
Any of you guys out there own a VTL preamp that they can speak of ?

Yes I own a VTL 2.5 preamp and love it. It renders a huge, full soundstage if the power amp is up to it and has a wonderful midrange.

Georgelofi

I'm interesting in trying a passive with 3 inputs minimum for under 500. What options would you recommend? Thanks.

Hi Mapman, only one that I know that is reasonably priced at $49 is this one but it only has 2 inputs
[url]http://schiit.com/products/sys[/url]
If you PM me I can give you an alternative.

Cheers George

Map, have you seen this one? They're in the UK but have a 30-day trial:
http://www.tisburyaudio.co.uk