2. amps-preamps
  3. 172525-16768

Tube Preamps that work well with SS amps?

I'm looking for a tube preamp after years of strictly SS. My amps will remain SS. Which tube preamp(s) in your experience mated well with a SS amp? I'm trying to avoid the odd phenomenon where tube preamp + SS amp = slow, soggy sound in spite of benign impedance characteristics

greg7
vgmbpty
24 posts
 

I have an ARC Ref 5SE as pre and two MBL Noble N15 as monoblocks. The amps are class D and was pleasantly surprised with the combo once I installed new tubes in the pre amp and silver plated interconnects to get the right (to my ears) balance of detail and warmth 

rixthetrick's avatar
rixthetrick
1,060 posts
 

@rajugsw 
the PS Audio - BHK Signature Preamplifier is a very good pre by the way.
It uses valves in the input stage I believe?

fbgbill's avatar
fbgbill
307 posts
 

McIntosh C2600 and McIntosh MC611 mono blocks. Never slow or soggy...!

facten
2,882 posts
 

Modwright LS100 pre with Modwright KWA100SE; need more power KWA150SE

bondmanp
1,820 posts
 

McIntosh C220 into an Arion Audio S500.  Even with a 15 foot run of IC between them, I get great, non-soggy sound. But it's not earbleed bright, either, thank goodness.

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