Beginner looking for guidance into tube sound.
You can try a tube preamp. This Van Alstine would be worth a try. You can return it with a full refund if it is not to your liking! https://avahifi.com/collections/preamplifiers/products/transcendence-10-rb-preamplifier |
Did a little surfing with my coffee. NEW You could start with a tube preamp/amp integrated: https://heaven11audio.com/billie-stereo-intergrated-amplifier/ Or for preamps, there's still a new QS to go with: http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/line-stage-preamp/ or here for $1295: https://www.donwalkeraudio.com/quicksilver.html or John might do a deal for you: https://www.audioconnect.com/product/quicksilver-line-stage-preamplifier/ You might consider this maker, Erhard Audio. Here's his entry level: https://www.erhard-audio.com/Europa.html Above this, for a few hundred more, there are nice units that include wood. Used: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649735683-conrad-johnson-classic-2se-tube-preamplifier/ https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649657520-conrad-johnson-pv-12l/ https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaac7e-conrad-johnson-pv-14l-tube https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649733487-audio-research-tube-pre-amp-ls-2-black-markii-remote/ https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649666817-canary-audio-c7/ https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649710703-audible-illusions-l1-preamp-modified/ This one is especially attractive looking but I've not heard of Pear Audio before: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaabaf-pear-audio-blue-reference-preamplifier-tube |
+1 lowrider. If your Peachtree is driving your current speakers to satisfaction and has preouts and amp inputs I would suggest you get a tube preamp. Quicksilver is a great option. Also check out Aric Audio, give him a call. You could then compare the tube pre to use of the Peachtree pre. You could then save for a tube DAC to serve your CD player and the Node. As mentioned your speakers are not the most tube friendly so sticking with SS may be your best option. |
There is an Aric Audio Unlimited II preamp for sale on this site. I have the original Unlimited that I run with a couple different First Watt amps,(F5,J2) and occasionally a pair of Monarchy Audio amps with,what I feel ,are really great results. Just a recommendation since you're looking at tube preamps as a possibility. |
