Help me find a pre-amp

rkfaberdds,

We are in the same boat, I am in the process of choosing a preamp as we speak, and am making my decision this week....stretching to $6,000 will bring a few really good preamps into the mix. The list I have as of this writing after adding and subtracting some options.

(1) Aric Audio Motherlode II $5,125 or Motherlode XL $6,125 - https://aricaudio.com/

(2) Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4 $5,000 or used Rhumba Extreme 1.3 $5,000ish if you can find one. I was able to find a new Rhumba Extreme 1.4 for a discounted $7,300

https://backertlabs.com/linestages-no-phono

(3) Atma-Sphere MP3 Mk 3.3 $5,650 -  http://www.atma-sphere.com/en/mp-3.html

(4) Linear Tube Audio MicorZOTL $5,750 with balanced inputs and Level 2 upgrades

(5) Audio Research Ref 5SE - Used around $6,000 if you can find a good one

Best of luck!

Vthokie, that is great list of candidates.  Curious if you have auditioned all of them and what are the other main components in your system that you’re pairing with?

rkfaberdds,

So far have auditioned: Rogue RP9, Audio Research Ref 5SE, and BAT VK-80. Tomorrow I am going to audition the Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4 and the Rhumba Extreme 1.4. Auditioning has been more difficult than I thought, because of differing amps and speakers at stores. The valuable piece is that each dealer has the Rogue RP9, so I can compare each preamp to that model to get a baseline.

I also had 2 6SN7 based preamps, the Aric Audio Motherlodes, and the Don Sachs Revelation; I have since dropped the Sachs for a variety of reasons, in favor of the Aric Audio....and it will definitely be a finalist for me. Aric has been a dream to deal with, honest in his opinions, and extremely responsive. I want fully balanced design, so the Motherlode XL is what I am considering.

I mean how is the Aesthetix, Calypso not in your sights? They're still a few bucks under $5K new aren't they? I have a Calypso Signature you & might find pre-owned for $5K-ish. Should definately be on your list - up your tube game with some great NOS Telefunken/Siemans/Amperex and you're in business

bgross,

I am sure that the Aesthetix is a great preamp, but I couldn't consider everything....I'm guessing there are a dozens of really good preamps, something for everyone.