2. amps-preamps
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First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

Right now have di20he -> terminator -> he9 -> pass x350.8 -> ATC scm7 / NS5000.
I am thinking of introducing some tubes into my chain. I like the sound I am getting but want to explore what tubes can do to the sound (slight warmth, biggest soundstage, better layering etc etc). Don’t want to go to nuts on price. If price is over $5k would consider if its really exceptional (but for sure not over $10k). Totally fine with used. Balanced would be nice but not mandatory.
So far I am thinking RP7, EVO400, bhk. Any thoughts?
smodtactical
avanti1960
1,480 posts
 
Owned the RP7, disappointing sound, did not respond well to tube swaps. Lacked dynamics and transparency. The RH 5 sounded so much better to my ears (yes, the R "H" 5 linestage.
Currently using a Cary SLP-05, sounds spell bindingly good.
Tube rectifier and R-Core transformer.  
Some I know have the Modwrights, they love them.  
smodtactical OP
979 posts
 
Guys thanks so much for the awesome suggestions. Lots to think about.
@avanti1960 You like the Cary better than the RH5?
@decooney gonna look hard at cary
@daveyf I can get a CAT Sl1 ref locally for about $2500.
smodtactical OP
979 posts
 
@ebm I can get VAC Signature mk2se for about $7200
invalid
1,194 posts
 
"Space-Tech Laboratory - High-End Audio" http://www.thebestamp.com/Tube_Pre-Amps/Reference_Series/Reference-3.php


This preamp can run it 150 tubes, you can also buy a separate power supply  to power it, just plugs right into the rectifier socket on the preamp. This power supply can use big rectifier tubes like 874a Mercury rectifier tubes. I have one of his lower line preamps, which sounded great on it's own, but had a way better soundstage and instrument separation with the super rectifier power supply.
ghdprentice
7,019 posts
 
Preamps are really critical components to a system… of course they all are… but it is the component you build a system around. This is also the perfect place for tubes… you can put a really magical quality (not artificially so) by the careful choice of a great tube preamp. You have a world class amp. I can’t help but think you have greater aspirations for your system overall. In which case you might consider reaching up another tier by buying used. Something more matching the quality level of your amp.

Real high end stuff is built like a tank, highly reliable, and is bested less readily than lower end stuff (like your amp). Maybe used, Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, VAC… there are more. The next tier up has significant sophisticated gains in sound quality.
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