I suggest a MODWRIGHT SWL 9.0 SE , you can find them used for $1500. This preamp sounds great at lower volumes and has warmth and beauty and tonal accuracy, one of the best bargains in tube preamps. Also I would highly recommend the Manley labs Jumbo Shrimp.These 2 preamps will offer a great match with your quicksilvers.
Help picking a tube preamp, please
Can you suggest a new tube preamp? This is the kind of thing I'm looking for:
-the usual goals for good dynamics and detail, quiet background, uncolored and even tonality and good imaging, but I'm especially keen on articulate bass extension. I frequently listen at lower levels, so appreciate the bass extension.
- small, fine volume-control steps via remote control. This is absolutely key for enjoyment.
- no phono input needed. Actually, only one or maybe two inputs are needed.
- budget $6-7k-ish, new or newer-used. Budgets are mere guidelines.
- must be available for an in-home demo somehow.
- emotionally I prefer point-point wiring, but execution is all that matters.
- if a preamp is sold with more shrill reissue tubes, I can fix that later with some nice NOS ones.
Connected gear: both hi-res and redbook files fed from a CAPS Zuma SoTM server computer into a Hegel HD25 DAC, said preamp into Quicksilver Silver 88 amps with some NOS input tubes and KT150 output tubes driving Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers, all wired up with Kimber 1026, 1126, and 6065 hybrid cabling.
Thanks much, Ralph
-the usual goals for good dynamics and detail, quiet background, uncolored and even tonality and good imaging, but I'm especially keen on articulate bass extension. I frequently listen at lower levels, so appreciate the bass extension.
- small, fine volume-control steps via remote control. This is absolutely key for enjoyment.
- no phono input needed. Actually, only one or maybe two inputs are needed.
- budget $6-7k-ish, new or newer-used. Budgets are mere guidelines.
- must be available for an in-home demo somehow.
- emotionally I prefer point-point wiring, but execution is all that matters.
- if a preamp is sold with more shrill reissue tubes, I can fix that later with some nice NOS ones.
Connected gear: both hi-res and redbook files fed from a CAPS Zuma SoTM server computer into a Hegel HD25 DAC, said preamp into Quicksilver Silver 88 amps with some NOS input tubes and KT150 output tubes driving Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers, all wired up with Kimber 1026, 1126, and 6065 hybrid cabling.
Thanks much, Ralph
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- 26 posts total
You might want to consider the Herron VTSP-3A(r02), at $6550 new. I haven't heard it, but Herron products just about always seem to receive glowing comments from A'gon members and other users, who also invariably mention that Keith Herron is an absolute pleasure to deal with. It is described as having 100 step remotely controllable volume, which I would expect to allow 1 db or better resolution over most of its range. Caveats are that all of its inputs and outputs are single-ended, and I have no knowledge of whether or not in-home auditions or return privileges are possible. Regards, -- Al |
- 26 posts total