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Best tube preamp for Quicksilver V4 tube mono's (newest KT150 version)

Just purchased a pair of Quicksilver V4 mono tube amps, the newest KT150 version.  Will be arriving this coming Wednesday.

http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/v4/

Single ended
Input impedance is 100 K ohms
Input sensitivity is 1.5 volts

Now need to purchase a nice preamp.  Would like to get the most 'bang for buck' by getting a very nice condition used pre-amp.

On my radar so far is:

EAR 868
Audible Illusions M3b or L3a
Herron VTSP-360

I have had 2 different AI M3a pre-amps in the past, so I am very familiar with Audible Illusions 'sound'... not sure what is the differences between the AI M3b and AI L3a, besides the M3b having  phono stage options and the L3a remote controlled volume?

No experience with Herron or EAR, but from what I have read EAR, if compatible, may be the best performing?

Suggestions greatly appreciated. 

Also would like to hear from other V4 owners.


Rick
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markhh2
26 posts
 
I’m using a Manley Shrimp with my mid mono’s. Sounds great, but else to compare it to.  
markhh2
26 posts
 
I’m using a Manley Shrimp with my mid mono’s. Sounds great, but nothing else to compare it to.  
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
I would make sure you try the latest Quicksilver 12 AT7 line stageand put more into your front end. The AI preamps work well
 The new Aesthetix Palene 5 K Made in the USA with ala carte Phono and Dacs very sophisticated design, great performer and matches with Quicksilver V4s
decooney
1,975 posts
 
@audioconnection 
I would make sure you try the latest Quicksilver 12 AT7 line stage and put more into your front end....

Agree with @audioconnection - 
I recommended the same to a few friends in the past few months, and both of them are super happy with their new Quicksilver Linestage preamplifiers. 

One is now reselling his former preamp that retailed for 5x the cost of the QS line stage, will be putting money back in his pocket!  A majorly underrated tube preamplifier. With some really good vintage/NOS tubes, brings it to another level as well as both have confirmed. Both enjoy the soundstage presentation in particular.    

drew_k's avatar
drew_k
34 posts
 
I have the latest version Quicksilver V4s with the KT150s.  After a couple of bad matches with other preamps, I spoke with Jonny from Audio Connection.  Even though he didn’t have the unit yet to sell me, he recommended the Aesthetix Pallene (which is essentially the preamp half of the Mimas integrated).  I ordered one and had one of the first off the line.  It matches perfectly with the Quickies.  No grain, no harshness, it’s just sonically open, but yet it has plenty of drive to it.  There is a ton of space around everything I play, and it “pulls apart” a lot of music that I’ve been listening to for most of my life.   And after having played around with maybe 5 other preamps while waiting for the Pallene to be built, I realized that the preamp is a huge part of the overall sound of the system.  The user interface is really cool as well - lots of adjustable volume levels, customizable equipment tags, etc.  
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