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Which Tube Preamp under $10K?

I am seeking to replace my Audio Research LS16. $10K is a hard upper limit which must include a phono stage. It matters not if it is built-in or a separate component, but It should be decent. So, in terms of a new line stage for $8500 or less, I'm currently considering The CJ CT5, one of the VACs, the VTL 6.5 and perhaps the BAT 31SE or not yet released ARC LS26. I am driving a pair of Bel Canto Evo 2 Gen II monoblocks which are driving B&W Nautilus 803s. I like the tube sound, maybe even on the sweet side for some tastes. The older CJ gear has always been a touch dark for me, but the newer stuff is said to have lightened up considerably. So, speed, dimensionality and a tubelike upper midrange are where I want to go with this purchase. All comments and suggestions welcome.
pscialli
audiokinesis
2,733 posts
 
Since your Bel Canto has balanced inputs, you might consider the Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamp with phono stage. Frankly I have no first-hand (or even second-hand) experience with the combination, but if your priorities are "speed, dimensionality, and tubelike upper midrange" then Atma-Sphere is well worth considering. I can tell you that Atma-Sphere preamps work very well with Jeff Rowland's IcePower amplifiers, which are conceptually similar to the Bel Canto unit. Ralph Karsten (of Atma-Sphere) thinks his preamps are a more significant step up than his well-respected OTL amplifiers are. I can tell you that the phono stage in the MP-1 is superb. Oh in case it isn't obvious by now, I'm an Atma-Sphere dealer. If by chance you don't have an Atma-Sphere dealer nearby and might be interested, give me a holler.

Best of luck in your quest!

Duke
c123666
871 posts
 
McIntosh makes a lovely tube preamp; ie, the c22 reissue and the c2200.
raquel
841 posts
 
This is where Judy 426 comes in and advises you to spend $5k on a preamp, and $5k for speakers to replace your B&W N803's. I agree with her (you did write "[A]ll comments and suggestions welcome").
pscialli OP
80 posts
 
Yes, all comments are fine. The B&Ws may go at some point, but that may be a more significant move like up to the smaller Wilsons or Rockports, etc. As for Atma-Sphere. I've never heard the stuff and don't know of a dealer nearby. I guess it's time to find one so I can take a listen.

Peter
jtimothya
612 posts
 
I'm currently considering The CJ CT5, one of the VACs, the VTL 6.5 and perhaps the BAT 31SE or not yet released ARC LS26.

Then there's the Steelhead which gets you a pre- plus a sweet phonostage. And if you really want to buy the latest forget this suggestion, but, at ~$3-$4k used, the CJ Premier 16LS is worth a listen.

I'd really like to learn your pros and cons on those you've listed.
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