2. amps-preamps
  3. 192678-195555

Vacuum Tube Preamp for Solid State Power Amp Pairing

I’ve recently discovered the world of vacuum tubes and recently purchased a Willsenton R8 which I’m enjoying very much.

I also have a solid state Chord Electronics SPM 1050mkii power amp (200w into 8ohms) and am now curious what sound I could achieve by the marriage of a tube preamp paired with my beefy solid state power amp.

As I’m a tube newbie I figured it would be sensible to lean on the considerable experience of the Audiogon community and plunder some recommendations.

 I like the look of the PS Audio BHK signature Pre (preowned) but it’s pushing my budget, although if you guys think it’s a winner I can save a few more buttons..! Also I’m aware of the Shiit Freya + which seems well reviewed and appears to be a good value proposition, but apart from these 2, I’m not really sure what else is out there…

So, over to you guys to work your magic, recommendations please!

Budget is circa £2-£3k and MUST have a remote control! :)

terenthia
tmortsd's avatar
tmortsd
32 posts
 

I recently went with the Primaluna Evo 400 with my solid state amps, great combo!

if you can do without balanced. Connects the Evo 300 is your best option, I wanted the balanced so opted for the 400 model.  Gorgeous, built very well, weighs over 55 lbs, sounds very smooth. 

soix
9,642 posts
 

What pre are you using now, what improvements are you looking for over that, and what sound characteristics are most important to you?  This info will result in recommendations much more suited to your specific tastes/needs.  And don’t worry too much about output impedance as it’s a non issue with your amp for almost all preamps on the market. 

lanx0003
864 posts
 

These sub $5k, rated class A gears might be viable choices...

Audio-GD Vacuum HE1

Lab12 Pre1

PrimaLuna EVO 400

Rogue Audio RP-7

 

ghdprentice
7,119 posts
 

+1

Used:

Conrad Johnson

Audio Research

VAC

 

lucky_doggg7
129 posts
 

This!

This is a Hovland HP-100 preamp.  To over-simplify things, there are two types of tube preamps, the kind that appeals to the audiophile side of you, and then the one where you just like to sit, relax, and listen to music because it sounds warm, has a full sound, inviting, and takes the edge off music.  This Hovland is the latter.  If you want ultra detail & speed, that'd be Audio Research.  I have one of these Hovland pre's and it plays well with my solid state amps from Pass, Esoteric and Audio Research.  Lastly, be sure you use a good power cord, like a Shunyata Python CX or Zitron, or even better yet, a Anaconda CX/Zitron.  If you got the bucks for the newer Alpha V2 or even better Sigma V2 power cords, those are something else.  One of these cords plugged into my AQ Niagara 7000 really makes a nice difference.  

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