Looking at these specific preamps give me your opinions


I'm building a system and I have an SMC Audio DNA.5 power amp that was built about a year ago so it's up to date on technology although it is still single ended.  I have NX-otica and OB subwoofers from GR Research.  I am looking for a good preamp.  I have a few in mind and would like some opinions.  I have listed them below.

TLC-2  GT24 built by SMC Audio

VRE-1c made by SMC Audio

Revelation Raven tube preamp by Spatial Audio

LTA tube preamp

The TLC-2 and Revelation would need to be purchased new the others I might catch them online used.

128x128brbrock

Of the preamps listed, I can comment on the LTA microZOTL, as I have this in my system. I think it is a spectacular preamp. Not warm sounding, but very natural. Excellent dynamics and very open sounding. I run it with a Pass amp and could not be more pleased.

I also just rolled in some new tubes to replace the stock tubes it comes with. I thought it sounded good before, but it was next level afterwards. Better top to bottom extension, more organic. A real winner for my system.

The Townshend Audio Allegri Reference Passive preamp is very good. Not true balanced though but that keeps the circuitry to a minimum. 

@cbrez ​​​​​​

I bought my MicroZOTL preamp lightly used and a little over a year old.  The previous owner said it came with Trigon 12AT7 tubes. I tried them and didn't like them.  He had purchased some Telefunken tubes {not cheap} and I bought them with the preamp.  I've also tried Philips, Siemens, and Brimar Yellow T.  Siemens came in a close second to the Telefunken. These are all 12AT7 type tubes.