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
firstnot's avatar
firstnot
248 posts
 
I just took delivery of the Schiit Freya. $699. My mentor warned me of a solid 24/7 five day break-in period of near unlistenability (made up) so I cannot say yet if I will keep it. (14 day trial)

Other considerations for me were :

1. Audible Illusions  New $4700, Used $2500
2. EAR 868 . New $7,500 Used if you find one would be about $4,000.

Since you are new to the tube world, the trial period offer may be the way  to go.
 

baranyi's avatar
baranyi
719 posts
 
The Linear Tube MicroZotl 2 is very good and is actually only about $2,000 new with external power supply. Linear Tube has come out with a dedicated preamp which Terry London of Home Theater review has gone nuts for and is $4500. All the other posters on the thread have given you excellent alternatives. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
rshad0000

atmasphere6,545 posts09-20-2018 1:48am
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.


I believe it can be used as a poweramp.
" RCA Input 3 of the Diablo and using the Menu to configure this input so that the signal bypasses all preamplifier stages in the Diablo."

My friend has one he says he uses it with his Lightspeed Attenuator passive preamp.

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

rshad0000 OP132 posts

This is what you should try before blowing 5k on a preamp.


It in your instructions to set up rca input 3 to be a power amp only input.

Set the Diablo 300 in the menu to make input 3 a "poweramp input" and this totally by-pass the preamp stage.

And because your Chord has such a great volume control, connect it to input 3 of the Diablo, and use the Chord to adjust your volume.

From Chord:

"The device’s lossless digital volume control outputs the signal direct to your power amplifier for the purest experience.

DAVE has a full-sized LCD display, showing input, sample frequency, volume and set-up configurations options, within Chord’s famous porthole design. On its fascia, DAVE also features a rotary encoder with a large stainless steel controller and ball buttons, enabling direct interactivity in addition to the supplied remote control."


From Gryphon:

" RCA Input 3 of the Diablo and using the Menu to configure this input so that the signal bypasses all preamplifier stages in the Diablo."


Cheers George


rshad0000 OP
271 posts
 
Thanks for all of the great suggestions.  I’ll certainly try using the Chord as a preamp as that will be easy to do.   I already have input 3 on the Gryphon set up as pass through for home theater anyway.

I also like th idea of getting a tube pre on a trial basis.    I haven’t heard much on the Freya.
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