The Townshend Audio Allegri Reference Passive preamp is very good. Not true balanced though but that keeps the circuitry to a minimum.
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.
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@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. |
@gregjacob I replaced the 12AT7s with Telefunken ECC801s. I replaced the 12SN7s with CBS/Hytron VT-231 per a recommendation from Brent Jessee. If you use 6SN7s as a replacement, you just have to slide the internal switch in the pre to 6V. The tubes were not inexpensive, but well worth it in my opinion. The difference to me was amazing. |
cbrez Thanks for the tube suggestions! I'll check in with Brent. Of the tube swaps, which set do you feel made the most audible improvement? I might try one set, then add changes from there... Thanks. |
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