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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
ghasley
2,499 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.

gordon
134 posts
 

The new Modwright LS99 is in your price range. Balanced. I haven’t heard it, but have enjoyed the Ambrose  One for about 6 years.

mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
949 posts
 

+1 for BAT preamps.  I have all BAT gear and over the past number of years have moved up the line to my present system (my system profile is not up to date, at all).  The BAT preamps check all the boxes that you mentioned, plus some.  The best value going would be a quality used VK-33SE.  It sold new for $10K and can be had for around half that.  It was replaced by the next generation, only last year.  Simply outstanding product in parts quality, build quality, and sound quality.

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
185 posts
 

I would love to hear all those contenders. I own the Linear Tube Audio Microzotl preamp. Since placing it into my system, I’ve lost interest in upgrading my preamp. I still think about upgrading my Dac, or possibly my tube amps at some point in the distant future, but have a hard time conceiving parting with the LTA preamp. 
 

It has the sonic attributes you mentioned are of interest to you. And it looks handsome on my rack. It’s just a joy to own and listen to. 

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