2. amps-preamps
  3. 129994-75150

Tube preamp with or without phono stage?

I’m looking to add a preamp to my two channel system. Currently I’m using an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 as the pre fed by a Simaudio Moon 110LP as the phonostage. My amp’s a Benchmark AHB-2 and speakers are Paradigm Persona 3F. The Personas and Benchmark are recent purchases and I’m rebuilding backwards. I’ve been targeting a clear, detailed, neutral and dimensional soundstage. Very low noise and distortion.

I’d now like to add a tube preamp and have a few questions. What are the pros and cons of the phonostage built into the pre vs as a separate? My amp only has balanced in’s but I can use an XLR to RCA adapter if necessary, are there any concerns with using the adapter? Finally, any recommendations up to about $3-5k with some flexibility?

Thanks
jszei
nkonor
635 posts
 
atmasphere,

Have not had time to email you about the Technics/ Triplanar but will. Still recovering from back surgery. 
Anyway; I use a Manley Steelhead to drive Pass XA 160.8s directly.

Norbert
lowtubes
138 posts
 
Hello, my friend makes a awesome preamp that I highly recommend and it sounds like something your looking for. Except the only characteristic you didn't mention, and now I'm concerned that it might not fit what your looking for is - musical. It's everything you mentioned along with being a full musical piece. In fact, after being one of his helpful ears for years while he voiced the item, I purchased one for my sons system when I believed he got it right. I presently own older stuff because I've sorta been around the block with the hobby for close to 30 years. My preamps are the Audio Research SP11 mk 2, Marantz 7 early serial number, Stevens & Billington Silver Transformer passive, and for vinyl I use  the phonostage of the Marantz 7, a Conrad Johnson PV-9a, CJ EF-1, and a K&K maxed out. The preamp my friend makes is awesome and his company is called Miracle Audio. Look him up, his name is Mark- will won't be sorry. 
lowtubes
138 posts
 
http://www.miracleaudio.com/
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
463 posts
 
With that budget, I'd buy the SP14 and PH16 kits from VTA.  Talk to them about building the SP14 with balanced outs if you like.  Not all that hard to build and a major ton of satisfaction  you can't get from any standard commercial preamp at any price.  AND the quality will be every bit the equal or better than anything else mentioned here.  Check 'em out at:

http://tubes4hifi.com/
liamowen
197 posts
 
I picked up a Conrad Johnson ET5, which is now discontinued, but I think is a top-tier piece.  Got it from Dick Moulding at Spearit Sound in Mass.  I got it from these guys for a couple of reasons.  First, a demo with a new warranty (and when it arrived it looked brand new).  Second, they had the best price.  Third, all of the other dealers tried to differentiate themselves from Spearit, thereby confirming to me that they were probably the best dealer out there.  Finally, they willingly said they would take it back within a week of getting it if I didn't like it in my system.  Right now, the ET5 is about $5,200 and I think it's among the best deals out there.  Check all the reviews.  Note: this is not a balanced preamp, but I am not running cables 300 yards long, either.

From there, you can get the outboard phono stage of your choice, depending on the type of music you like to listen to, and be on your way to a working-man's reference system for under $8,000 for these two components.

Happy listening.
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