2. amps-preamps
  3. 138310-5802

Might try a tube preamp

I’ve been toying with the idea of giving tubes a try and thought I would start with a tube preamp running to my SS amp and see how I liked it.    

After reading reviews and looking through some of the posts here on Audiogon I’ve been thinking of a LTA micro ZOTL or rogue audio RP-7 - each around $5k.   Thoughts on these?  

Or would I be better off looking for something else used here on Audiogon?  Maybe a ARC Ref 5 or LS-28?  I’m pretty new to tubes so am open to options.

Thanks
rshad0000
rsf507
2,378 posts
 
There's a few Atmasphere MP-3 units on Audio Asylum trader that might interest you. 
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liamowen
197 posts
 

I would buy a pre-owned Conrad Johnson ET5, right here on Audiogon and put a Telefunken 6922 tube in, or a Siemens 6922 tube in, depending on the type of music you prefer.

All in, you'll be way under your budget, have great sound, long term reliability and nominal depreciation if you want to go in another direction later.

In my view, this is a great sound, can't miss recommendation.

And yes, I have an ET5 with a Telefunken 6922 tube.  But, don't take my word for it, Absolute Sound rated the ET5 as a top value award winner in/around 2015, and that's when the unit listed for nearly $10,000.

truebluephil
24 posts
 
I have this tube pre-amp in my system and it is one of the best ones I have heard and for a price that cant be beat. Give the guy a call and discuss what you need. He can build anything you might need into it.

http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html
dldennis
9 posts
 
My system *finally* all came together when I added the PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp. It has a tube input stage and MOSFET output. It is very “tubey” sounding, to my ears, anyway. I love the warmth and cohesiveness it brings. My amps are PSA BHK monos (also tube hybrid), so they are very well matched impedance-wise. The preamp has HT passthru capability which was a major selling point for me. I have become a huge fan of PS Audio gear. 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,061 posts
 
Since your amplifier is integrated and there doesn't appear to be a direct input to the power amp section, I don't see how a preamp tube or solid state would help.
But the amp does have a set of balanced inputs and seems to be internally balanced, so a balanced tube preamp would be a nice option as it could minimize the effect of interconnect cables on the sound. And as others have mentioned, our MP-3 preamp is such a beast and actually supports the balanced standard. The used ones here on Audiogon would be a good place to start if you go that route. Like your amp, the MP-3 is fully differential and balanced with zero feedback and a minimal signal path.


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