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VTL TL7.5 series lll VS VAC Master Line Stage VS AR Ref 6 VS Nagra Classic Preamp

I'm putting up a new thread about some of the best tube preamps out there.
My future system will consist to begin with of a stereo amp or monoblocks, a preamp, a DAC and a separate streamer, later on will come phono stage + turntable.
This system will be driving a pair of Thiel CS 3.7s and a pair of CS 7.2s.
If i don't go the hybrids route with either Ypsilon or Aesthetix i will probably choose d'Agostino amps.
Therefore since i'm using Thiel speakers i would like to have some tubes somewhere in the chain.
With ss amp i would use a tube preamp.
Which of these preamps do you thing will give best results with very good ss amps like the D'agostinos ?
You can suggest other tube preamps if you have other ideas in the same league as these.
Thanks.


128x128thieliste
mountainzen
6 posts
 
I have a VTL TL6.5 and like it very much - in regards to system synergy, the hybrid design of the VTL makes it compatible with pretty much any amps out there (due to low impedance of the FET drivers).

I've even driven amps with 50ohm input impedance with the VTL's - I don't think you want to try that with a pure tube design.

Can't comment on the VAC as I haven't tried that preamp but in terms of build quality - while I agree the VACs use nicer materials, the VTL's are as bulletproof as they come and have a lot of self-monitoring and fault isolation circuitry that I haven't see in a lot of other gear.

That said, I think once you are at this level, any of these will work for you and it's a matter of sonic preference and system synergy.
rogerabbit's avatar
rogerabbit
25 posts
 
A good match would be the Wyetech Labs Ruby STD tube preamp for speed and dynamics to match those ss amps
http://www.wyetechlabs.com/

thieliste's avatar
thieliste OP
814 posts
 
4425 i got a mail response from Hervé, it seems that he doesn't really like people using his NHB-18NS with other brand amps...
If i choose his NHB-18 NS he recommends purchasing the corresponding NHB-108 stereo amp.
He says this amp can drive pretty difficult loads like the Thiel CS 7.2s.
What do you guys think ?
4425
861 posts
 
I'm surprised he was not positive about using different different amps. I don't agree but I'm not him. I expect ARC would say the same thing but ARC preamps are used with many different brands of amps. No different for the Dart. 
As great as the NHB -108 is I'd want more power for your speakers such as the Agostino Classic Stereo or a used Momentum Stereo unit. They are awesome. As always just my opinion. 

jafant
18,809 posts
 
4425

what other gear, including cabling, is in your system?
I know that you are enjoying the Krell Phantom- I have read very positive reviews about it!

Happy Listening!
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