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Tube preamp options

My system from the preamp on consists of a rouge rp-7, rogue m180 monoblocks, and vandersteen quatro wood speakers. My main source is a brinkmann Bardo through a Rogers PA-2 phono pre. It all sounds great. But there's that itch, you know? I get tremendous soundstage but not that much depth. Clarity is great, mids are nice, bass is excellent. But it doesn't quite have that in the room sound that I'm looking for. The RP7 sounded too solid state and analytical for me out of the box with the stock JJ tubes so I've done extensive rolling. Been through all sorts of NOS tubes and landed on amperex as they seem to have the best balance of warmth and clarity. My thought is, maybe I can find a pre that has those attributes out of the gate without all the rolling. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of being able to tailor the sound with trying different tubes but I feel like maybe there's a brand out there who's house sound I like better. I haven't listened to anything more yet but brands that are on the list to check out are Backert labs, maybe a used ARC Ref 6, VTL, VAC. There are a million little boutique brands tho and I'm asking what people have heard in the 10k price range, new or used, that might be a good fit for me and why. 

Thanks! 

rmdmoore
luxmancl38
580 posts
 

Check out the VAC Renaissance MK V. Runs around 10K w/out phono. Or for less because I'm a prejudiced Fanboy  The Luxman CL-38UC an all tube preamp w/tone controls and a built in three tube phono w/four step up transformers. Great Retro look.Around $6300.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,879 posts
 

Zesto Leto is an amazing sounding preamp.  

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 

Backert, VAC, ARC Ref6 all are worthy contenders. I'd search hard regarding VTL service issues before considering. 

ARC is known for synergy with Vandersteen...a proven winning combo for many. IMHO this is partially because the Vandy adjustability allows tailoring that may offset the ARC erring towards the drier, more clinical SS end of the spectrum vs. the others mentioned. 

VAC Ren V w/phono is what I recently purchased, vs. BAT previously. I'm experimenting with tube rolling on the phono side, but happy with the vintage Amperex Orange Globes that came with mine on the line stage side. IMHE, both the BAT & VAC are tonally a bit warmer, fuller than the ARCs I've heard including the Ref 5 and earlier, but not the 6. 

The Backert is also fantastic and perhaps tonally between those others, with tremendous rhythmic drive and plenty of air on topic. They are single-ended designs, so if running a balanced amp, there's a disadvantage there.

OTOH, As a longtime friend of the Backert team, I can attest to their knowledge and experience is far greater than some might assume with a relatively newer company vs. these other legends under discussion. There products are so good that local audio club members in their area have flocked to own the preamps after hearing them in many friends' systems over many pricier competitors at a rate I've never seen of any other audio product. 

You've got options! Cheers,

Spencer

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