2. amps-preamps
  3. 181481-163317

Tube-Curious/Pre-amp

Hi guys

I've been toying with the idea of tubes for a while, and was wondering if a tube pre-amp would be worthwhile pairing with my Class A/B integrated - Atoll IN200 Signature (the Atoll has the function to bypass its own internal pre-amp section, and pair the power section with an external pre-amp).

I predominantly listen to Jazz (all eras, all flavours) and am very interested to hear what tubes would bring me; I've casually read around, and the description of sound from reviewers and regular users does appeal to me greatly. 

I am aware of the Schiit Freya +, and from what I can make out, with some tube swapping, the Freya can produce some good results; but apart from this I'm not really sure what I should be looking at. I'm not looking to spend multiple thousands on this little side interest, or replace my Atoll./Solid State, but to just give myself an exposure to tubes in my audio chain. 

The other option I suppose, is to look at the offerings from Willsenton as an additional integrated, such as the R300 (this seems to be well received, and at a  reasonable price tag). 

Any advice/guidance gratefully received

Thanks very much 👍

 

 

128x128painter24
z32kerber
143 posts
 

I have the JJ 243 tube preamp and love it. 

wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 

I've owned lots of preamps over many years, but my original version Freya (early adopter) with NOS GEs is a superb sounding preamp with features nothing else even comes close to. Runs quieter in its tube mode than most SS or passive preamps do without tubes, works beautifully with tube or SS amps (I use either a hand made Dennis Had Firebottle tube amp or more often a brilliant Pass XA-25), and costs less new than any US made anything else. It sort of has no actual competition in its class...it's just too inexpensive for many so-called audiophiles, but gets a "Class A" rating in Stereophile anyway. 

lcherepkai
277 posts
 

Why not look into hybrid integrated amps?  You could sell or trade your Atoll in.  I had a pair of bridged Pathos Classic One MK III's a few years ago that were quite nice and before that miscellaneous Chinese amps, Xindak and Consonace.  Soundwise, all were nice but reliability issues would preclude a recommendation on those Sino-amps.  And being in the UK, you have access to all of Europe and a better exchange rate.  Go to hifishark and type in "hybrid integrated" , both for sale and those already sold, for several possibilities

 

zazouswing
140 posts
 

Icon Audio LA4? It’s local to you as well. 

gryphongryph
353 posts
 

This should do the trick 

 

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