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Seriously considering tube preamp…opinions?

Tube virgin, here. I am building a system and I'm trying to contain the preamp/amp cost to $3k or so. (I could go up a little.) 

I'm inclined not to dive into tubes all the way through, but get a solid state on the output end. (Open to suggestions; inclined toward PS Audio, Parasound.) I'm reading around about tube preamps and have talked with my local dealer, who sells Black Ice/Jolida and Prima Luna (PL). He used to carry Rogue but said they kept coming back for repairs. That's why he carries PL.

I'm asking these questions after having established (via reviews, comments) that Schiit gear is quite the value. Lately, I've been reading about Decware and other small tube makers. I'm very curious about buying direct, if possible, and a company that stands behind their products is crucial.

So, your opinions about tube integrated or *especially* tube preamps —

1. Who do you like? Consider I want to do pre/amp for a total of $3k if possible.

2. Do you think PL is worth all that money just for a preamp? I get the feeling they're high quality but a bit over-hyped. (No disrespect to the highly passionate Kevin Deal, but he's all over my search results.) And what would you think about $2k/$1k preamp-to-amp spending ratio?

3. Any sense of what happened to Jolida since the name change to "Black Ice"? I see there's a sordid story there but did the re-branding clear up the mess? Any experiences with the Black Ice company?

4. I know there are many Schiit fans out there; so my question would be -- did anyone consider Schiit for tube preamp and go another way? Or move beyond Schiit for any particular reason? It's hard not to just capitulate and do a Freya+ or Saga+ but why wouldn't one just go with Schiit?




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elliottbnewcombjr
5,563 posts
 
Bias Control, look for external control, some have meters. My early Cayin A88T tube integrated Amp has internal adjustments. (I needed 16 ohm taps).

Later Cayin models, only 8 and 4 ohm taps, have external bias. I highly recommend Cayin. 

As for made in China,

this Cayin is an example of a unit designed by others (Germans I think I read), and made in China.

First thing I did was take the bottom off, WOW, Impressive!! It's gorgeous inside and out, superb build quality, sounds terrific.

Do your research and get advice as you are doing, but you shouldn't rule China or other locations out.
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
373 posts
 
I suggest you look at either Don Sachs or supratek. They are within your budget and are handmade, with point-to-point wiring and are a very, very well-regarded on this forum.

Look for a thread on this forum titled. Preamp deal of the century. And look for another thread called. Don Sachs or supratek. The don Sachs is handmade in Canada. And the supratek is handmade in Australia.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,901 posts
 
^^ Similar preamps are handmade using 6SN7s here in the US for similar or less money (shipping is cheaper).
facten
2,882 posts
 
I don't have one but you might want to look at Aric Audio (US) , there are some threads on Audiogon regarding his preamps and amps
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
952 posts
 
If you can stretch your budget just a touch, you may find a Line Magnetic 508ia integrated. I can't think of anything in your price range I'd prefer. The Don Sachs and Supratek recommendations are good, but out of your budget for an amp and a preamp. Good luck!
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