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
testrun
232 posts
 

@vthokie83 

if the current owner will share the serial number you should be able to reach out to Audio Research to get history on the Ref 5se.  I would do it anyway just to know for sure what you are considering to purchase.  Good luck. 

soix
9,456 posts
 

Someone above mentioned the yellow board was the old board so perhaps the brown board is the new one?

elliottbnewcombjr
5,406 posts
 

My friend just moved up the AR chain with a used AR Preamp he bought from Steve at VAS. I didn't pay attention to model numbers, but I visited, compared the old and new to him one, distinctly better, especially imaging.

Also better in Mono, no wander up/dn the frequencies either Ella's or Louis voices

 

I think he said Steve had two of them, you might give Steve a call and see what he has, AR or other, get any advice ...

He has so much equipment he doesn't advertise, it's ridiculous.

 

ghasley
2,492 posts
 

@soix 

Someone above mentioned the yellow board was the old board so perhaps the brown board is the new one?

The brownish/yellowish board was the first Ref5se and the green board was the later version. I've owned both and there was no discernible difference in sound. 

rlb61
789 posts
 

You may want to check out a used BAT preamp. They're built like a tank and sound great.

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