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
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
992 posts
 

+1 on the Rogue suggestion. 

chenry's avatar
chenry
211 posts
 

Pro Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital. Balanced  I/O,  dual DAC, headphone amp, selectable tube output, remote. I pair one of mine with a NAD C298 Purifi digital amp, another with a set of Buchardt actives.

terenthia OP
18 posts
 

Thank you everyone for your input here, there are some really interesting pieces mentioned on this thread and I’m looking forward to researching each in more depth. (Of course I’ve already started…) I’m excited at the prospect of hearing the combination of a decent tube preamp with my ss power amp!

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
578 posts
 

+1 for the Audio-GD HE1-XLR.....I own one and it's a 10K tubed preamp in a 4K package. You can't beat it for the $$. It's a monster w/ 10 tubes and it's own Regenerative Power Supply.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
47ghibli
29 posts
 

You can't go wrong with a (used or new) Conrad Johnson, VTL,  or  Manley preamp.  I believe also Rogue would be good although I have no personal experience with them,. If you buy used you can likely sell it for what you paid. 

 

 

 

 

 

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