2. amps-preamps
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Help With New Preamp Decision

Like most of us, I am constantly in the process of slowly (as funds allow) upgrading my system to what most would consider "mid fi" or low end "hi fi". I have been reading a lot lately on the subject of SQ upgrades, and what comes up frequently is that the preamplifier might be the foundation of moving to the next level as I upgrade.

True or not, that is the direction I have decided to go....my virtual system is listed. And yes I know I need to upgrade other components as well, so I'd like to keep this on the idea of a preamp.

In doing a LOT of research, I've come across several preamps that I am most interested in and would appreciate some ideas/thoughts/input/recommendations. I want fully balanced XLR with RCA inputs and outputs,  be tube based, and I have no need or desire for a phone input. Max budget is $6,000.....or just a few shekels more.

(1) Aric Audio Motherlode XL $6,125 - Incredible reviews, Aric has a phenomenal reputation, and seems to be an all around great builder in this field - https://aricaudio.com/products.php?product=MLXL

(2) Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4 $5,000 - I have this lower on my wish list, as it is Backert's entry level preamp, what I'd really like is the Rhumba Extreme....but no way I can justify the $8,500 price. And finding a used Rhumba Extreme 1.3 has proved impossible, though I'm not opposed to it. 

(3) Don Sachs and Lynn Olson new Raven (Revolution) preamp $5,000 - His reputation alone makes this preamp important, and he is an all around great and giving guy of his time. I've communicated several times with Don, and he flat out tells me this is the best preamp he has ever designed by far and is a "cost no object" project. I think that production starts Jan/Feb this year (being built by Spatial Audio Labs) 

 

(4) Atma-Sphere MP3 Mk 3.3 $5,650 - Venerable favorite, it's a well known and well reviewed product http://www.atma-sphere.com/en/mp-3.html

(5) Linear Tube Audio MicorZOTL $5,750 with balanced inputs and Level 2, see this well reviewed and well thought of brand a lot  

 

Thank you in advance for your input

vthokie83
charles7
104 posts
 

Van Alstine Transcendence RB 10. Just what I needed (ha ha) between a great DAC and a class A amplifier.

 

dseltz
163 posts
 

So, I have a system I am selling. I have not put it up for sale yet, as I would love to hang on to all my equipment forever, LOL. Anyway, I have an Atma-sphere MP-3 I am going to sell. I purchased it used in April 2023. It was sent to Atma-sphere in the previous fall for a full MP-3 v3.3 upgrade. It has the upgraded V-Caps and tons of damping material. Also has the phono preamp and remote. It has a transferrable warranty still in effect. I sent it back to Ralph in July for a look over and added the three part cover. He knows all his equipment well and said it was in perfect working order. 

If interested, let me know.  I have 100% rating here and on the other site.

Have fun in your choice, whatever that may be. 

surfmuz
399 posts
 

Modwright LS 36.5 Would be fair contender option in your list. Don’t miss your opportunity to compare not only technical specs and reviews but also internal design and components before making your final decision. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,920 posts
 

Another vote for Audio Research Ref5SE or stretch it to Ref6. Age is not a factor with these preamps - as long as you got fresh tubes they’ll run fine. Your original list consists mostly of what I’d consider “boutique” brands. Excluding a reputable and iconic Audio Research when looking for a tube preamp is a big mistake IMO. 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 

The linear tubeaudio I felt has the best build quality  and most Sonic options 

You can use 4different tube types ,it has adjustable gain to match any amplifier 

the model with the Lundahltransformersmy brother owns and sounds very good 

it beats many preamps much more expensive and excellent quality using clarity audio best CMR output capacitors .

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