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Tube Preamp Recommendations?

Hello, I'm a newbie to this forum.  I'm on the hunt for a new tube pre-amp.  I think.  It is replacing an aging PSE Hybrid Line Stage 1 preamp.  Several of the RCA outputs on the PSE don't work, the power button is finicky, and it is all original, ostensibly in need of major overhaul.  Labels on capacitors and other parts have fallen off, etc.  I love the slightly warm (to my ear) holographic sound of the PSE.  I would like to upgrade the SQ.  I find bright, high resolution sound like that of my KEF X300A computer desktop speakers very fatiguing after a short period of time.  

My system consists of an Auralic Aries Mini with SBooster power supply > Kimber Kable PBJ RCA interconnects> PSE HL1 > Kimber Kable Hero RCA interconnect > N.E.W. A-20 amp > Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker wire > ProAc Response Two S speakers mounted on very beefy steel stands.  I stream a lot of Tidal on the Aires' Lighting DS app.

My short list of possible replacements are AR SP6, AR SP8, CJ PV10 and Quicksilver Full Function.  Two other options are AI Modulus 3A and ModWright LS 100 (if i can find a good deal on one--it's a stretch for my budget), but I'm afraid these two might be too neutral or bright for my ear.  I'd appreciate any recommendations.  Overhauling the PSE preamp is a possibility, but one audio professional i trust told me i can really improve SQ over the PSE.

Thanks for any tips or advice!
robert1234
grk
226 posts
 
Hi, 

I am using a MW LS100 with phono and the sound can definitely be tailored to your taste by swapping the 6SN7 tubes and/or the phono tubes as well. I will also be selling this pre shortly, so if you are interested, let me know. I have the Russian Melz 1578's installed and they are much better in every way than the stock EH 6SN7 tubes.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I am 100% with Atmashphere on this one.  A 6SN7 pre amp can be very detailed it depends on what amp its  going into, the quality of the pre and of course the 6SN7s themselves which come in many flavors.
subterranean6's avatar
subterranean6
37 posts
 
I'd love to hear either Schiit tube pre amp.  Also check out Linear Tube Audio and the MZ2.  
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,851 posts
 
I am 100% with Atmashphere on this one. A 6SN7 pre amp can be very detailed it depends on what amp its  going into, the quality of the pre and of course the 6SN7s themselves which come in many flavors.
There is a reason that 6SN7s are known for 'big tone' and most other low signal triodes like 6922s, 12AX7s and the like are not. In a nutshell you have to get the very best of the miniature signal tubes in order to compete with just the average octal based triode. That's why 6SN7s are still around :)
nordicnorm
313 posts
 
@robert1234

For 12AX7’s, my favourite tubes are:

1. Shuguang Custom 12AX7-LS $120/pr
- new production tubes
2. Mazda Chrome Plate 12AX7 $320/pr
- NOS tubes
3. Psvane 12AX7-TII $100/pr
- new production tubes
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