2. amps-preamps
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VTL TL7.5 series lll VS VAC Master Line Stage VS AR Ref 6 VS Nagra Classic Preamp

I'm putting up a new thread about some of the best tube preamps out there.
My future system will consist to begin with of a stereo amp or monoblocks, a preamp, a DAC and a separate streamer, later on will come phono stage + turntable.
This system will be driving a pair of Thiel CS 3.7s and a pair of CS 7.2s.
If i don't go the hybrids route with either Ypsilon or Aesthetix i will probably choose d'Agostino amps.
Therefore since i'm using Thiel speakers i would like to have some tubes somewhere in the chain.
With ss amp i would use a tube preamp.
Which of these preamps do you thing will give best results with very good ss amps like the D'agostinos ?
You can suggest other tube preamps if you have other ideas in the same league as these.
Thanks.


128x128thieliste
christianb5s4
237 posts
 

@kmmd Have you ever heard Parasound by chance? If you had to grade out of ten, ten being warmest, how much warmer is Pass vs Coda 16? I'm a big fan of transparency but also balancing out the forward nature of my Focals. Also been curious to try brand synergy given my pre is a Pass XP22 which I love.

 

Thank you for chiming in, by the way.

kmmd's avatar
kmmd
73 posts
 

@christianb5s4

I have not heard Parasound amps, but they have a very good reputation.

Honestly I can’t grade how much warmer the Pass Labs is, as I don’t have a reference as to what a 5 or 10 is. Also in keeping with the OP’s theme, I’d like to keep this to the preamps mentioned and what amps may work well. Also bear in mind that I can do one thing with my VAC Master preamp and that is to tube roll. I can roll in my Mullard 6922s, and I have a warm system.

 

I see that you have a Pass Labs preamp. Maybe you can match it with their amp. I’d reach out to Mark at Reno Hifi and ask him. Great guy, very knowledgeable and he knows the Pass lineup well. I purchased my X250.8 from him. He does have an in home audition program too. Perhaps you may want to change your preamp or speakers as options.  You may also want to start a new thread with your questions with respect to your system.

 

christianb5s4
237 posts
 

@kmmd Fair point, by no means did I mean to hijack the OP's thread. Just very rare to find someone with experience on two amps I'm close to considering. So i appreciate all the feedback truly, happy to PM and not clutter further.

divertiti
225 posts
 

Another vote for VTL over ARC. I've listened to pretty much all the brands and I've never been impressed by any ARC system to be honest. The VTL 7.5 III on the other hand is very very special. It is holographic and bodied without being overly bloomy, slow, nor colored. It's also dynamic and extended without sounding edgy nor dry

Dag amps would work well, but depends on how much meat on the bones you want. Ideally for any tube preamp pairing, the synergy should be with an amp that specializes in speed, articulation, and absolute control like Boulder. But if you want the combo to be warm and bloomy, Dag will do well.

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