2. amps-preamps
  3. 149625-81194

looking for a tube preamps that doesn't sound like SS

any recommendations for a tube preamp under 4k, that has old school sound, warm, fat, with good mid range and sound-staging.

I have a good SS set up, good clarity and imaging but would like to change things up with a good tube,.

O


oglethorpe
bigkidz
3,371 posts
 

Lots of great recommendations above.  I am not a fan of the Rogue though.

Depending on your price range, any of the Counterpoint tube preamps will sound very good and they can be upgraded to sound fantastic.  Look for the SA-2000 or the SA-3000 with phono.  Stay away from the thin chassis designs and the SA-5000 - while it is great sounding it is hard to upgrade because of the time to work on the floating circuit board.

Prima Luna 6DJ8/6922 preamp new runs about $2300 is really nice sounding for the money.  6SN7 tube preamps sound very relaxed as the smaller tubes seem to have a more dynamic punch IMO.


Happy Listening. 

erik_squires
16,009 posts
 
Conrad Johnsons from the 1980's.
luisma31
516 posts
 
I have an MP-3 from atmasphere, great sounding preamp and just swapping different 6SN7 you can get different sounding profiles, atmasphere customer support is great as well in case you have questions or need service.
Actually I just realized you aren't listing your amp or speakers so any recommendations from me or others are not very valuable. 
Your amp kind of will determine which tube preamp will fit best. 
The MP-3 impedance will match most amps and if your amp is balanced then it will be an even better match 
audition__audio
1,441 posts
 
I am not sure why you would a warm old school sound unless you had some deficiency in your system that would cause you to want to thicken things up. A list of your components would be helpful due the fact that a change elsewhere could solve any problem you might have. Of the advice above I dont think that the Berning, Rogue or Schiit products would give you what you want. The Berning is a wonderful preamp but it isnt particularly warm but more linear/neutral. Suffice it to say that I am not a fan of Rogue and of Schiit even less. I think that the old CJ preamps and the Joule are good units for what you want. I prefer the Joule to the old CJs.
audition__audio
1,441 posts
 
I forgot to mention that Audio Note Kit preamps are very good and lean toward the warm side but not obnoxiously so. You can buy them as a kit or have them assembled.
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