2. amps-preamps
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looking for ideas on a tube pre amp

I recently purchased a new pair of Focal Sopra #3 speakers and would like to try a tube pre amp with them. My main listening speakers have been Magnepan 20.1s with upgraded x overs for several years I purchased the Focals mostly to give my listening room a breath of fresh air even though I doubt I will ever part with my Maggies. I am currently using the Parasound JC2 preamp with the JC1 amps and mostly XLR cables so it would be nice to have a pre with XLR connections, I have been looking at the Audio research pre amps it would be nice to from someone that has tried several pre amps, I am giving myself a budget of about $2500. 
jeff99
jeff99 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the reply, I should have mentioned I am looking to soften the vocals without losing detail and soundstage. I will look into Prima luna.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
jeff99, When listening to a Primaluna Dialogue don't over look the substantial impact tube selection can make in taking you to the tonal response you want. It can make or break it, tube selection that is. Stock tubes are rarely ever the 'last word' in potential.
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
Have you thought about contacting Keith Herron (Herron Audio) to see if he has a VTSP-1 trade-in that would workd for you?  IMO, that preamp, with all the latest mods, outperforms any new or used ARC preamp with a current price twice that of the Herron unit.
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
I used BAT VK-31se with jc-1s for a while and loved the combination. I would look at a used BAT if i was looking, I'm sure you can find a nice BAT in your price range. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I believe Ralph of "Atma-sphere" does a balanced tube pre, and to boot it's direct coupled,(no output capacitor coupling). Which to me colours the sound no matter which type of cap is used, always best to go direct coupling (dc) as the best sounding coupling cap is no cap.

Cheers George   
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