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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?




128x128hilde45
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,593 posts
 
“While I cannot listen to many of the brands/makers being suggested”

One way to accomplish this, either plan a trip to AXPONA in April or wait until RMAF in October. 
If taking a trip is not possible then I would make a list of all of the brands being suggested and start calling the manufacturer or dealers for in-home audition. 
moofoo
293 posts
 
I understand. Once I heard the Ultraverve I contacted her to build me a modified Mercury 3 pre. She was great to work with, period. I am keeping both preamps. There are many folks like her in the industry. We read about them all the time here on A’gon. I am glad I am a music lover! A great lifestyle!
richopp
760 posts
 
No matter what you look at or try, you will look long and hard to beat an Audio Research tube preamp.  They set the standard for the industry in the 1970's and while there are MANY other good ones out there, why mess around?

Some models are "better" than others, but I am certain that you can purchase one in your price range (used, I would guess) and you will be pleased forever.

I suggest you get one that has a phono stage unless you would never consider playing vinyl.

Other than that, enjoy the MUSIC, since that is what is all about.

Cheers,

Richard
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,023 posts
 
@lalitk Good point. I live in Denver, so it's not a stretch to wait for RMAF. Of course, "the waiting is the hardest part." (RIP Tom Petty).
@moofoo I just took a second look at her website; it seems like the lowest price preamp is $2495 — without a remote and possibly without tubes (that wasn't clear). I have an inclination to buy new from manufacturers rather than scour used sites, not only to reduce the risk of buying a lemon, but also to support the maker. (I'm not rolling in dough, but I think people need to be paid for excellent work. Then again, if they're too pricy…). So, it may be that her preamps are out of my league, given that I also need to get a power amp.
@richopp I'll look at Audio Research. The suggestion to not "mess around" makes sense — of course, much of the testimony above is advising ways to avoid that with other manufacturers! Oy, what a first world problem! Thanks though for your two cents. I'll look into AR.
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,415 posts
 
@hilde45,
The Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 should work very well for you. This is a "preamp only" company.

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