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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
goldenears19's avatar
goldenears19
27 posts
 
Interesting Subject! Personally I like Atm a-Sphere! Built-in America and Ralph the designer is always great to talk to! His Pre-Amps and Amps have Won multiple awards and the Sound is what I call Musical! A little more money maybe than your budget but I think a better product than the others I heard mentioned! But of course check around!😉
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,975 posts
 
FYI, I wrote to Kara at deHavilland. She said she was taking a sabbatical from making audio and that I should look for her Ultraverve used, possibly to pair used Conrad Johnson MF 2500. FWIW.
naimfan
166 posts
 
@hilde45 -

I second the suggestion of a used ARC or CJ.  Both companies have set the standard at various times in tube preamps, both have been around a LONG time (in hifi terms), both can still service their products.  And they are effectively free if you want to sell them on later and get something different - you're likely to get close to what you paid for them when you resell them (assuming you don't keep them 10+ years, at least!). 

It can be really tempting to chase the unique, new, and exciting - avoid that temptation and you'll most likely be happier in the long run. 

And while it is a drive, a visit to Rick at Audio Alternative in Ft. Collins would be well worth it. 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,975 posts
 
Thanks @naimfan That drive to Ft. Collins would be more fun knowing there’s an audio store at the end of the line!

And I’ll keep in mind the used approach, for sure. Without auditioning things, it’s a bit of leap, but I see there’s high confidence in these suggestions. I do worry about buying something on eBay for $1000 or more because if it doesn't work, what do I do?
mesch
3,513 posts
 
Dealers often have used gear and demo gear for sale. Always good to see, touch, and hear used equipment prior to purchase. Great way to get more out of one's pocketbook. 
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