Tube preamp with Adcom amp

I would check hifishark.com

search: tube preamp

sort: first seen, new first

price: 500 min, 2,500 maximum (always see what is just above your budget)

next: features: remote control; balance; mono mode; tape loop for ____? tape or processor, they allow optional use of an equalizer if your space would benefit from it; out of the circuit, or tape monitor to hear the difference.

phono: MM stage? I would use a separate phono stage with optional loading for mc; you can always use a SUT into Preamp’s MM Phono stage (IF you like it). Inclusion, un-used, might help eventual resale.

..................................

when you find something you are close to buying: do a separate google search, often items for sale do not get on hifishark. Happened many times for me and my friends

No remote control for Vintage Tube Preamp?

I love my McIntosh Vintage Tube Preamp mx110z, however, I want remote control.

I use this Remote Line Controller, made by Chase

I have given a few to friends, a few have bought their own, I have 3 myself.

Friends visit, I play with it in, and with it out of syste. No one has ever heard any difference, thus you get all the features with no detriment.

Shop/Garage system: I use it for system power on, and it’s features via my Yamaha 1020’s adapter loop. In/out, zero difference. Primarily remote volume control while working, mute for phone call, talk to the wifey, ....

Main system: same thing, On/Off to my Furman power filter, then all components powered from Furman’s capacitors with 45 amp reserve. Remote volume, balance. It has 4 line in, I use the McIntosh for source selection, just the Chase in/out a tape loop/monitor.

Once you have remote balance in a system with great imaging, you realize how many tracks benefit from a slight balance tweak. not just centering vocalist, but all instruments distinction is improved.

It also has built-in automatic/progressive Fletcher Munson ’loudness’ (progressive low volume bass boost). I don’t listen low volume, but if you do, a nice feature missing from modern equipment.

note: MUST have remote control for the Chase Unit: no controls on the unit.

Thanks for all the recommendations. As for remote, that would be a plus but don't really need one.

I think adding a tube pre is a great idea, but it really depends on what sound characteristics you’re looking for as they run the gamut from neutral to warm and everything in between.  Any further thoughts/goals would be most helpful.

I have just bought a 1 year old UK designed icon Audio LA4 Mk 111 pre for just over US$1000, mainly out of curiosity given AbSounds very positive review. I changed the EH 6SN7 tubes with Shuguang Black Treasures and am amazed at the performance. It is the quietest tube pre I have ever heard and it outperformed my 5 times more expensive well reviewed pre in all ways  - black background, musicality, soundstage etc. I won't name the pre as I will be wanting to sell it but the icon is a bargain even buying new.