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David Berning preamp..looking for suggestions

I am on a look out for a good tube preamp with preferably a reference grade phono stage inbuilt. I am moving from a tube amplification to solid state amplification primarily to feed my Tannoy Prestige with all the power it needs. In the process I dont want to end up in an all SS system which will be too much of a deviation. So I would love to have at least a tube preamp and if possible a tube phono too. I know it may ultimately involve using a SUT but I can take that much of a compromise (if at all). 

I am considering the Berning ZOTL-One preamp with in-built phono stage. There are many reviews of his power amp but not much about his preamp. Has anyone heard his preamp, any impressions (even second hand) would be very helpful.
pani
analogluvr
859 posts
 
I have not heard the one you mentioned but I have Tannoy prestige speakers and recently went to a Bottlehead Beepre. With the optional attenuator, upgraded tubes and some vibration dampening it is the best I have ever heard.  After that experience if I wasn't in love with my Herron phonostage I would've went for their phono and used a SUT. As far as amplification goes I use 845 monoblocks and they work beautifully with the tannoys. I don't think I could ever switch to ss. 
analogluvr
859 posts
 
I do have great respect for David Berning however and think you would probably also be happy if you went that route.  Sorry for going off on a tangent. 
anwar
119 posts
 
Pani, any reason you want to limit your preamp choices to Berning? What are your source components?

I suggest you read about Vinnie Rossi LIO configurable preamp and its user experience in Audio Circle.   I don't have experience using LIO but I am using similar volume attenuator (John Chapman & Dave Slagle autoformer) in passive mode when DIY enthusiasts can purchase it directly from Bent Audio.  It replaced AR REF 5 SE tube preamp in my system.

The LIO has an option for autoformer volume control with tube stage - that's the one I recommend.  It also has phono stage option.  It is also upgradable.  Please check it out.
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