2. amps-preamps
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Suggest an entry - midrange Preamp (tube as well as SS) for a McIntosh power amp

Starting a new thread to get some suggestions on what would be a good preamp for my new McIntosh MC152 power amp. Currently its connected to my Rotel RA-12 and powering KEF LS50s. I plan to upgrade the speakers down the line to either something like the Evoke 50s or B&W 805D3 (still debating between their sound sig.).
My preference tends to be more towards warm, non-harsh top end with a little sparkle and good controlled bass. I do like the Rotel sound honestly, but it being an Integrated, I plan to move it to do duties in another room. I would prefer to have a DAC built in, but if its a good Analog only tube preamp, I’m open for it. Needs to have a remote control and preferably a sub-out along with pre-outs.
Right now on my radar are:
Parasound P6
Rogue RP1
Schiit Saga or Freya +
Given the damage I just took from the McIntosh purchase, I’m trying to get by with as low as possible price wise. So unless its really worth the extra spend, I’d like to stay closer to $1-1.5k USD range.

On a different note, is okay to use a Y-splitter on the Pre-out to feed to the sub and the power amp? Or will this degrade the signal or mess anything with the input impedence on the sub or the power amp?
sr20022002
sr20022002 OP
15 posts
 
@georgehifi I’m super tempted by the Freya, especially at the price point its at. That being said, what are the tube rolling options with that one? Are the stock tubes pretty good, or do I need to immediately spring for Tung-sol or RCA NOS tubes? I already played that game with my Dark Voice head amp ;) ... its fun for sure, but get pretty expensive real quick. 
I’ll be feeding the preamp to the MC152, not sure what the impedance is on that amp, hopefully its not a problem. 

Another challenge I see with the Freya is that I’ll have to buy a Dac separately which will be an added cost, will most likely go with a Schiit multibut for the heck of it. 
Any Dac suggestions apart from Schiit to go with the Freya?
Thanks for that note on the Y-splitter, so basically worst case I’ll need to crank the volume on the pre a little more than normal with the y-splitter, but it shouldn’t degrade the quality of the signal. 

How do you think it comes to the Rogue RP-1? Anyone have experience with that by any chance?

@gone Ideally I’d like USB (DSD support), Coax and optical inputs. But worst case I can get buy with just Coax and optical. Haven’t looked at Bel Canto yet, will it match the sound signature I’m looking for? 

woodhart
21 posts
 
The Schiit Bifrost 2 and Freya+ are a good combo. I use this on my office system and it sounds great. I’ve had this drive both tube and SS amps with no trouble. 
jnorris2005
185 posts
 
I have the Freya S (got it before it was discontinued) and the original Saga.  I like the Freya much better - even in passive mode.  I'm using an SMSL SU-8 DAC which does 44.1 all the way to DSD256+.   I also own a Modi Multibit, but it stops dead at 192K - if that's an issue for you - and doesn't sound as open as the SMSL.  At my computer, I'm using a Topping e30, which also sounded better than the Schiit, and also goes to DSD512.  
mrklas
441 posts
 
I’d encourage you to look at Moon by Simaudio. The 390 is a DAC/Pre-amp combo. And a really good DAC. 
I have the 280D running through my McIntosh tube preamp/amp. Moon makes excellent equipment and it may be VD a good fit for your tastes. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
sr20022002 OP
@georgehifi I’m super tempted by the Freya, especially at the price point its at. That being said, what are the tube rolling options with that one? Are the stock tubes pretty good, or do I need to immediately spring for Tung-sol or RCA NOS tubes?
That’s one for @wolf_garcia wolf_garcia to answer, he knows all about the Freyas and what magic it can do with what tubes, he love it so much I worry about him sometimes. Then he has a Loki too and I also think they have a great spot in anyone's system if needed.

Cheers George
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