2. amps-preamps
  3. 178503-114571

Which would you choose for good sounding tube preamp for an audiophile new to tubes.

I need your help guys. I would like to add a tube preamp to pair with my reference 200.2 B&K amplifier. My speakers are large ADS L1590 towers ( 90 DB efficiency rating). They were a flagship back in the day. I have had them restored by an ads tech. I am l looking at  a QUICKSILVER LINESTAGE LS PREAMPLIFIER, VTL 5.5 preamplifier, and a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1. All are currently used and on audiomart or audiogon. The Sonic Frontiers is for sale on hi-fi heaven. I purchased from them before and they check out the equipment that is preowned. My system is a little bright and dynamic sounding using the sonata B&K preamp. (There best at the time). I am looking for a little warmth in the sound and no harshness. I want some slam and afraid I will lose it if I go with tubes.  I have had success buying certain units because of the knowledge dispensed through this forum I am a member of Audiogon in good standing. Any help would be great. I appreciate the feedback. 

128x128arichison
crustycoot
606 posts
 

No mention of the Van Alstine FET Valve CF?  The OP is a tube novice and the AVA is a very good affordable choice. 

budlite22's avatar
budlite22
13 posts
 

I have heard some really great reviews on a Giant Killer Preamp by DOGE Audio that I’m interested in. I know have a MAGUS MFA A2 tube preamp that’s amazing!

jond's avatar
jond
5,703 posts
 

Of the trio mentioned I would probably go for the Quicksilver I say that knowing none of the technical specs like impedance. Sonic Frontiers sounds pretty SS and VTL is pretty good sounding gear but like @oddiofyl I have heard horror stories about their customer service. I will also add @atmasphere makes a very nice affordable preamp the UV-1.

parnelligq
25 posts
 

Can't go wrong with the Schiit Freya +

wolf_garcia
6,639 posts
 

I use an original series Freya (no "+" but hey...I don’t care, and with the original you can snap back and forth between the tubes and passive without shutting the tubes off, which I like. Adjust the level of course.) into a Pass XA-25. Sublime, astonishingly great sound. Both deserve their Class A ratings by Stereophile, and is there anything as well designed with as many useful features as as a Freya for under a grand? No. I think NOS tubes like my preferred GEs in a Freya make it really shine...so do that.

More to discover