2. amps-preamps
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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
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,913 posts
 
VAC is always a good bet here, without treading into maple syrup territory. 4K won't get you anything new, but used older models can be had in this range.
harrylavo's avatar
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harrylavo
346 posts
 
Agree on the Conrad-Johnson from the '80's.  Another good source would by the Audio Research SP-6/8 line of early '80's preamps.
gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
153 posts
 
Call Don Sachs.  He can do his "all in" pre for well under your budget.  I didn't know a pre could make such a difference until I plugged his into my system.
kuttler
3 posts
 
You may want to look at Octave.  I enjoy my V80 from them with simple bias adjustments and power support.   
jmac7's avatar
jmac7
58 posts
 
Dennis Had makes some great sounding preamps the Inspire LP-3.1 is his newest,I think.He sells them on Ebay. You can use 6SN7 or 6SL7and it is also reasonably priced. A tube rollers dream if you like to do so. 
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