2. amps-preamps
  3. 172831-81570

Preamp shootout: Linear tube audio, Modwright, etc.

Hi Audio friends,

The world of preamps is taking me down a lot of rabbit holes and I'm curious what everyone out there thinks.  My journey here started with using my Dac direct to amp.  As soon as I inserted a dedicated pre the debate over pre vs. no pre ended.  Didn't realize I was missing a third of the music.  My current rig: wilson sabrina's, Coda TS v2 power amp, exasound DAC, silnote & cardas cables .  I was using a Modwright LS100 and I'm currently trialing the Linear tube audio ref pre.  The LS 100 is holographic, images well, but is not nearly as open or detailed as the LTA.  The LTA is gorgeous through the mids, but is a little muddy through the bass and not really suited for hard rock.  Wonder if different tubes would make a substantial difference to the LTA?  If anyone has experience please share. 

What other options might be considered in this price range?

 

cshadow
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,902 posts
 

Zesto Leto is a great preamp....  zero noise.   Black background,  dynamic , perfectly voiced in my opinion.   Lots of inputs and outputs.  

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

The new AVA pre if you want tubes also Audio Hungary.

keithr
1,306 posts
 

With LTA, the 12sn7 isn’t the dominant circuit tube so stick with their stock ones which are quite good. However, definitely need to switch the small tubes for optimal performance. Removes glare.

giantsalami's avatar
giantsalami
227 posts
 

Backert Labs is on my list, along with a few of the ones mentioned. Has anyone compared them?

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

I compared the Backert to a Rogue RH-5 (which is supposedly better than the RP-5 and rivals the RP-7), and preferred the Backert, though the difference was very far from night and day.  The Backert is also, for ease, a tube-rolling champ.

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