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
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   
erik_squires
16,242 posts
 
Personally, I'd keep the JC2 and change the tweeter caps on the Focal to Mundorf MKP's or Supreme's.

Still..... ARC is an interesting perspective.  Their new stuff isn't like their old stuff. If you are looking for a more mellow presentation, the new ARC or CJ should be great.

If you want it more forward and clinical, the old ARC.

Best,

Erik
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Ditch the Focal's, they do not compare to the 20.1's!

The 20.1's deserve the best amplification.

$2500 is too cheap a preamp.
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
Vincent SA-T8. The most musically involving Pre-Amp for the money I've heard and then some. Fully balanced, it has sublime dimensionality and an ability to draw you into the music like few others.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
BAT VK31se is good one also BAT VK3i. All good at any price range especially with solid state balanced amps -- near-perfect match indeed.
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