2. amps-preamps
  3. 181117-146816

Help recommend a good tube preamp

I am looking for recommendations for a good, fully balanced tube preamp (< $4k - $12k) for my system:

DAC: Holo May

Power amp: Hegel H30 (input impedance (balanced / XLR) = 25k ohms)

Speakers: Focal Maestro Utopia III

Room: 20ft X 21ft

Music: mostly jazz / classical. Some classic rock.

Preamps tried before: McIntosh C2600, Hegel P30, Holo Serene, Rogue RP5

Constraints: output impedance should not be high (as my amplifier’s input impedance is quite low)

I tried C2600 (but with different amp / speakers).

Recently, I tried Rogue RP5 - sounded great but it does not have XLR out (H30’s unbalanced input impedance is a measly 9.6 kilo ohms). So, a natural recommendation would be the Rogue Audio RP7 - except that in the Stereophile review’s measurements section, John Atkinson recommends not using the pre with amps with less than 30k input impedance (affects low frequency response).

 

Thanks.

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jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
892 posts
 

Might take a look at the Bryston BP 17 cube. balanced impedance is 4.5kΩ. If you step up to the BR 20 you get their DAC module (which you already have) and streaming platform.  There is Also a Modwright LS300 over on TMR for $11K.  Don't know anything about Modwright myself but I do like running Tube pre's with SS amps.

 

 

lancelock
1,085 posts
 

I would suggest the Backert Labs Rhythm 1.3. Fully balanced and the best preamp I’ve owned to date. When you start tube rolling, get some adapters and use NOS 12SN7’s to replace the 12AU7’s. It’s very sensitive to tube rolling.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,453 posts
 

I would suggest the Zesto Leto Ultra II preamp.   I had the original Leto with the ESP power supply upgrade and it sounded amazing     The latest model is even better.   

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arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,549 posts
 

CJ makes very nice ones 3, 5 i think, SE series. used ones are a steal

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