2. amps-preamps
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Tube Preamp Recommendations

I’m looking to get a tube preamp in the near future. Budget is $1k, but might go up to $1.5k. The Freya+ is one that I’m considering. What else is out there in my price range? The preamp will be fed by a SMSL SU-9 DAC. My amp is an upgraded Quad 405, which I recently acquired, and the speakers are AR Classic Series 18.
terrapin77
terrapin77 OP
87 posts
 
The DAC is currently going straight into the amp, but I want to find the right tube preamp.  I tried out a Rogue Audio 66 Magnum and I love the tube sound, but the Rogue doesn't play nice in my system.  Way too much buzzing in the speakers.  Could that be caused by the DAC's 5.4v output? 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,699 posts
 
Check out Van Alstine!
https://avahifi.com/collections/preamplifiers
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
terrapin77 OP
The DAC is currently going straight into the amp

You really need to spend just the $49 on the Schiit Sys first. ( you can send it back for full refund)
As I’m sure 100% you were "bit stripping" the dac with 5.4v output "turned way down", into the Quad which only needs 0.5v in for full clipping wattage.

Cheers George
terrapin77 OP
87 posts
 
Thanks George!  I will check out the Sys.  The only reason I'm going DAC into amp right now is the buzzing from the 66 is annoying AF!! I wonder if it's the SU-9 causing it.  Wish I had a spare DAC to test. 
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
@terrapin77, could the buzzing just be a ground loop? Try a cheater plug and if that doesn't work, ask Rogue before giving up on the Magnum. Cheers.
Spencer
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