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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
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
4,923 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
4,137 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 .

rsmith73
31 posts
 

+1audphile1 +1woots +1soix

ARC all the way for me.  Ref5SE or Ref6 will do the job.  Beauty to the ears!

 

rmdmoore
163 posts
 

You've presented some interesting options. My personal experience is stick with units with 6sn7 tubes. Much more natural sounding. A few of the ones you've mentioned use them. Also as someone mentioned, not all the units you mentioned are fully balanced. The LTA uses an output transformer, not fully balanced circuitry. I believe it's the same with the Backert you mentioned.

If you want fully balanced the Atma-Sphere MP3 that waswntioned is a monster but it's all very upgradeable and doesn't come with a remote stock, you have to add it. Also, it's only XLR I. And our unless you ask for RCA and that's an upcharge. I have Atma-Sphere MA-1 amps and they're the best thing I've ever heard. 

I had a Don Sachs model 2 for a while and I absolutely loved the sound. For me, there were 2 downsides, only 1 of which really mattered to me. There wasn't good balance control. For me, as a vinyl guy, records, particularly used ones, sometimes track a little off and being able to move center is something I really like. Also, the khozmo volume control clicks when you use the remote. I didn't care about that though. Honestly, I'd the balance was better, I'd probably still have it. 

Someone mentioned ARC. Ralph at Atma-Sphere does not consider them fully balanced. I can't fully explain that. You'd have to talk to him but he's very available and will happily take a phone call. 

Someone else mentioned a ModWright. I  have an LS100 and love it. It's not fully balanced. I don't particularly care. It sounds amazing. I'm likely going to send it to Dan at ModWright and have him add a lundahl output transformer to have a balanced out as it will maybe work even better with my Atma-Sphere amps. They make 1 fully balanced amp but it's over 10k. I think the lres a new ML kndel that they put out that uses transformers as well. 

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