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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
honeyberk
2 posts
 
Stay away from the Schitt! The one I bought was awful, I sent it back.

I just got one of these from Space-Tech Laboratory in Canada:  http://www.thebestamp.com/Tube_Pre-Amps/Classic_100_Series/QA-112.php -- with two inputs. The owner, Al, is a great guy and custom builds to order. It sounds phenomenal and cost about $800. Call him up -- he answers the phone and will walk you through what you need and can afford. Good luck!
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,985 posts
 
Interesting about the Schiit. I was very interested in them, and am cooling off a bit. I’ve now read a number of comparisons btw, for example, their DAC and other DAC’s (eg Denafrips), their tube and other tube pres, their power and other power. Their prices are amazing, but once one starts to climb north of 2k, it starts to change the equation, it seems. Having never owned anything better than an Adcom, I’m only summarizing what I’ve read. I’ll look at that link you mention. It sounds like it might be hard to sell, down the road, but the price is quite low.
last_lemming
639 posts
 
I just sent back the Freya S - yes the non tube version. Just didn’t gel w my system. It was clean and clear, but everything seemed smaller and thinner. I paired it with my ARC Classic 60. Again the SS version, not the tube version.
The 20 year old Herron I have now just smashes it. Just as good if not better than my BAT VK 3ix pre on my main system.

also look at Decware. Point to point wiring, hand built. Great warranty. 
bellemusique's avatar
bellemusique
68 posts
 
I own Atma Sphere MP-1 and consider this as one of the finest tube preamps available today on the market. Ear Yoshino would be my second choice. 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,985 posts
 
@atmasphere One parameter is budget. Is this Atma or Ear in the neighborhood of $3k?
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