2. amps-preamps
  3. 188088-172210

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
mbmi's avatar
mbmi
569 posts
 

I own the 10 tube AUDIO-GD HE-1 XLR at $5,000....haven't heard a pre under 10K that is as "musical".....call Underwood Hi Fi.

wig's avatar
wig
1,267 posts
 

Here's a reference level preamp that is quite phenomenal and competes with units costing 3 times more...

Wig

4P1L Line stage | simplepleasuretubeamps
https://simplepleasuretubeamps.com/products/

hsounds
153 posts
 

I own an ARC Ref 5se. You can get these for under 6k. The yellow circuit boards are the older ones. So you can save about 1k on those. Unless you have absolute proof of tube life I would get new regardless of what the hour clock says. ( it can be reset in 30 seconds. I did put new tubes in mine. It will cost you $500-$1k. It is worth it. The SE version is a big deal so stick with that. I have a SS amp pushing my speakers. All that matters is that amp matches your speaker as long as you get the SE version. The output is different from the SE and non se. Typically when people sell these it is because they went to the 6SE which is even a more amazing preamp. It should be for $18k. That’s what it takes to beat the REF 5SE, $12k to 13k. Just find a Ref 5 SE and call it a day. I hope this helped. 

tvflem
17 posts
 

I've been researching in this same space for a while as well - looking at the same pre's!  I've sort of narrowed my search down to a top 3 - but found that direct comparisons without buying all 3 are next to impossible.  The 3 i'm most interested in are the Atma-Sphere MP-3, the Aric Audio XL, and the new Don Sachs Revolution.  Only the A-S shows up used, as it has been made for a while.  The outlier to me is the Supratek line - also gets great reviews.  Good luck in your search and I'll be following for sure.

ghdprentice
6,966 posts
 

+1 Audio Research, as contemporary as you can afford.

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