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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
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,912 posts
 
ARC Ref 3, best Aesthetix you can find, CJ, …. Just my bias….
dmcneilr's avatar
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dmcneilr
21 posts
 
Audio gd Vacuum HE1 XLR. Crazy overbuilt for its modest $3k price tag and sonically exquisite. Ended up replacing my PrimaLuna EVO400 even though that wasn’t the plan. It surprised me and sounded that good. 
sandthemall
544 posts
 
Don Sachs probably beats everything up to $6k

bellemusique's avatar
bellemusique
68 posts
 
Atma Sphere MP1 or MP3. These are world class tube preamplifiers, very versatile and easy to use. I've tested many european tube preamplifiers (I live in Paris) but finally I've settled down with Atma Sphere. No changes for me any more. 
rmdmoore
163 posts
 
I strongly disagree with avanti1960. I am currently using a Rogue RP-7 and have found it to have great dynamics and that I got just the right amount of "tubey sweetness" by changing the front pair of 12au7. Those are the only colored tubes in my chain, everything else is as neutral as I can get. It's dead quiet, has great functionality, and sounds tremendous for the money I feel
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