2. amps-preamps
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best tube preamp to pair LM 518ia

Hi there, I have a Line Magnetic 518ia and recently bought a Sota Saphire V TT. I was wondering which would the be a good match for a tube preamplifier w phono stage of course. Also, I have an LM 502 DAC but wonder if it is worth to directly buy a preamp w built in DAC. Heard lots of good things about matching LM w Shindo, however, Shindo gear doesn’t come w remote control which I’d like to have. Thx for any advice!
branca
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
How about a vintage Precision Fidelity C2? All tube and designed by Bruce Moore of Parago/MFA/Audible Illusions fame! I owned a C7 and regret selling it! Any of Bruce's tube preamps can be had for a fraction of the price of a Shindo!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
The Precision Fidelity may be too difficult to find! Instead, the Audible Illusions preamp would be a good choice!
jperry
2,448 posts
 
I don't think any of the suggestions above have a remote control, and no Shindo preamp, which I would suggest, has a remote control either. 

Maybe a luxman cl-38uc? It has a phono section and a remote control for volume
branca OP
2 posts
 
Many thx for feedback guys. Inquired about Luxman and is amazing though quite priced... same dealer recommended the LS 100 tube single-ended preamp from ModWright Instruments. Any thoughts?
facten
2,878 posts
 
I have a LM 518, replaced all the tubes except the 845s with NOS to take it up a notch. Although the 518 has "pre in" , it's preamp circuit isn't completely "overridden' as it is in other integrateds ; might be better served  simply getting a phono preamp. 
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