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Tube Pre-Amp Recommendation

Im new to this forum but have spent few months reading into posts. The more i read the more i get confused on my first purchase of a Good quality Tube Pre-amp. At this very moment I have always used Solid states pre-amp but after hearing the Audio Research Arc Ref 5 and 3 I am on the upgrade bug. Considering these units cost allot of money I need some suggestion if there are other Tube Pre-Amp which can either match similar levels to the Arc Ref 5 or better it.

I am not bothered about name brands or looks of the unit rather on how it presents the music to me.
I have not own a Tube Gear before in my life, and not sure on how to go about it. BTW I am in Indonesia (A British Expat Working and Living Here)

Demoing unit is out of the question here, even buying a unit here is so much more expensive then back at home In the UK. I prefer to Buy from USA (Will use a Power converter if needed)

My Current Setup is:
Speakers: Philharmonics 3
Amplifier: Audio GD Master 2 Series Mono Blocks (Will Upgrade Later to Krell, Macintosh or Pass)
CD player: Oppo 95 Using on Board DAC for the time being. Looking to upgrade later on for DAC
Room: Heavily treated, with Foam, Acoustic Panels, Bass Traps in all 4 Corners.

Budget less than 6000 Dollars.

Need Performance Level Matching that of Arc Ref 5Se or better.

Need suggestion and opinion on how to go about this. I prefer fasting sound more to neutral. Slight warm but not too much. I did find Cary SLP05 Pretty Warm, however on Ebay it slipped my fingers otherwise I was going to pull the trigger on that. I will being pairing this with Solid State Amplifier don’t want to get into Power Amps using Tubes for the next few years at least.

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Guys
dragon_vibe
dragon_vibe OP
430 posts
 
The Dude is off the List for sure because I still dont know what this guy is talking about but im not paying someone 6000 dollars specially when i get emails like this

Zafir, please take any TRL product off your product search. We have nothing to do with people who openly criticize us by posting personal communication without our expressed permission. This lack of character or integrity is unacceptable by itself. Your knowing that I don't post online so that I won't come after you to set the record straight is plain cowardly. Besides, since your first email and your involvement with those crystals creeped me out on the spot as it just disturbs me.
So you've just shortened your journey and can cross one more company off your list. That's good, it gets you to your goal....

Critize what??? I dont understand when someone needs to part 6000 dollars do they not have the right to ask people questions and investigate or research?

I wont be bother with this. The dude is of the list as the dude is too crazy for me.
abruce's avatar
abruce
246 posts
 
Granny ring I'd still like to compare my CST with the Dude perhaps after the holidays and the blizzards.
Bruce
davea33
40 posts
 
Dragon_vibe,
I bought the Dude based on the postings here and everything that is said is true. It truly changed what I thought was possible with my system.

Consider the amount of marketing a company does and whether they have a resellar/distributor model. If they do, part of what your purchase price is for those things. It is obvious to at least me, the money you are paying for a Dude all goes into quality parts, labor and unbelievable sound quality and nothing else.
jtwrace's avatar
jtwrace
443 posts
 
I owned the Dodd buffer and replaced it with the Dude. There is absolutely no comparison between the two. The Dude is the real deal. The only reason I sold mine is that I need a balanced pre for my balanced source.

Yes, I might get a balanced Dude....
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,510 posts
 
Abruce, let's make it happen for sure. Will be fun. Big blizzard right now!
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