2. amps-preamps
  3. 974775222

Tube Pre-amp beneficial?

Will a tube pre-amp "warm-up" my Martin Logan SL-3s if I am running a SS amp (Sunfire)? Or, do I need tubes throughout? I am currently using an Adcom GFP-565 in bypass mode, and I would like to upgrade the pre (staying under $1000) and add a remote, any recommendations from people with similar equipment would be appreciated.
wsmatau
no_money
638 posts
 
I upgraded from Conrad Johnson, Sonagraph (solid state) to CJ pv10a which is Conrads bottom dollar tube pre-amp and it gave a much warmer sound. I am running it to a Proceed hpa2 and Martin Logam Aerius i. Brand new I think they go for about $1200 you should be able to find a used one for around 600. This pre-amp is not remote controlled, from what I have seen you have to spend WAY more to get this kind of sound and a remote controlled unit. As soon as I heard it I forgot all about not having a remote.
sedond
1,391 posts
 
brant nordlund of melos audio restorations has a melos maestro (retail $2300) for sale for $1k on audioreview. great tube sound, remote control for volume/balance, but yule need a fono-stage. there are also sha-gold references (precursors to the maestro), that usually go for ~$800. these are *excellent* preamps.
rgd
656 posts
 
Try befreo you buy but I think adding in a tube preamp will give you what you are looking for. I replaced my Bryston BP25(SS) with a Rogue 66 tube preamp and it has made the largest difference in a positive way with both my former speakers - Acoustat hybrids and 1.5 Maggies (current speakers)
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I agree, tube pre will do what you want. Anthem may not. Anthem preamps are very good, but closer to SS sounding. I had the original CJ PV-10 (now 10a) for a while. It was great for the money.
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