2. amps-preamps
  3. 154690-139155

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
scothurwitz
113 posts
 
Hi Hilde45

The name for tube preamps that keeps coming up is Don Sachs. It’s nearly impossible to find a bad word ever written about this gentleman or his best preamp. The more I read about it the more impressed I became with it. The product is sold direct only, the only way to keep the cost as reasonable as it is. His newest model sells for $2500.00 usd. Based on all that has been written about it’s supposed to sound fantastic. He takes into consideration which the amp you plan on using with it so he can tailor the output caps to be a perfect match. The reliability is also supposed to be rock solid. If you email him he responds within a day or two every time. He also has a ok return policy which, I believe is 14 days but you don’t get your money back immediately from what I understand. I think he returns your money only after he re-sells it. At first this was a little disconcerting but I get it, he runs on super low margins and his reputation is excellent. I don’t think he gets many of them returned though as his customers all rant and rave about this thing. If I were you, I would look into it. Best of luck.

Scot
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,011 posts
 
Thanks all. These are good suggestions.
@scothurwitz  The Don Sachs suggestion does keep coming up. (Also: Quicksilver, Ultraverve, Had)
@dodgealum I cannot see a price on the Herron VTSP-3A page.
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,406 posts
 
To stay within budget you would need to buy used. I think retail is around $6500. You may want to call Keith he sometimes has trades or other ways of working with you on price. Be careful though—once you talk to him you will want to join the family—he is that awesome!
decooney
2,132 posts
 
@hilde45, Sent you a message.  If I were in your shoes, you might want to decide first if you want a solid state or tube back end amplifier. There are not too many really good SS amps that "sort of, partially" emulate tube sound, many have tried, and they are big $, well outside of your budget of $3k total for pre+amp.  
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,011 posts
 
@dodgealum  Good to consider. I expect to talk myself into more extravagant purchases down the road, but for now, my intended listening space (and the amount of time I have to listen) are modest. I'm trying to  take it slow.

@decooney  I'll go look for it, and thank you. Everyone's said "get your speakers first" so perhaps the process needs to be done slowly. I do like the tight, punch, crispness of solid state, only I am not sure if I might not want it all the way. 
More to discover