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
gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
150 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
56 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. 
donpen21's avatar
donpen21
26 posts
 
I had Audio Research SP-6B, and Joule Electra is far better
Old Conrad Johnson have nice tube sound but not have dynamic like Joule
rollintubes
84 posts
 
Any Conrad-Johnson pre-amp although they are pricey. The PrimaLuna Dialogue and Dialogue Premium are an excellent value and do sound lovely. I'm sure their EVO series is great as well.
Both brands are wires with gain and multiple inputs.
Rollin
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