2. amps-preamps
  3. 159989-65619

yet another tube preamp recommendation thread

hello, currently looking for tube preamp linestage upgrade recommentations.
recently tried an older cary audio slp98p f1 edition with new tubes. i do not need phono capability.
the cary had a lot going for it, an incredible midrange, very good bass and transparency, it just sounded unrefined and ragged in the treble on occasion, possibly due to the new tubes.
a new Slp 98 l with upgrades is a considetation.
also considering primaluna evo 300 or 400
and rogue audio rp7.
i value transparency, refinement and dynamics the most.
thanks.
avanti1960
avanti1960 OP
1,486 posts
 
Last call for those tube linestage gems ! ~ 4.5 K or so- 
Transparency,  timbre and holographic soundstage 

Thanks 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,957 posts
 
Aesthetix or as noted a used ARC Ref5
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,861 posts
 
Last call for those tube linestage gems ! ~ 4.5 K or so-
Transparency, timbre and holographic soundstage
If you can find one of our MP-3 line stage preamps used you should be able to pick it up in that price range or less. They have direct coupled balanced outputs and no worries driving the input impedance of your amp. The direct-coupled output helps a lot with transparency...
gakerty's avatar
gakerty
175 posts
 
avanti, you have a Rogue Stereo 100 as your amp, correct?  It's hard to argue with the RP7+ST100 combo.  That's what I have and the match is fantastic, especially when you roll tubes to your liking.  Dynamics, punch, silky treble, "3D" soundstage are all there.  I am not changing this setup for a long time, as I am quite happy!
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,163 posts
 
I had an SLP98 years ago after they first came out. Maybe they have gotten better over time with upgrades, but to my ears that was a very colored preamp with not much transparency. I sold it to a friend of mine and purchased another Modulus 3a.

You should also consider the Don Sachs Model 2 preamp. Plenty of tube goodness and very transparent too.

Oz


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