2. amps-preamps
  3. 1130717118

Looking for a crystal clear / dynamic tube preamp

Dear fellow addicts:
I am on a search for a very crystal clear, ultra dynamic sounding tubed preamp in the $2k price range. Also, ideas on NOS tubes which would be most appropriate with the preamp are very welcome.
I do need a remote control, since I simply no longer find the strength to get off my butt, and crawl to my audio rack to adjust the volume each time I feel the need.
I reiterate the need for a crystal-clear presentation (as well as strong dynamics, and bass). A silver faceplate option is a huge plus.
My system is as follows... Von Schweikert VR5 speakers with the magnesium code woofers option($10K?), Pass Labs X250 power amp ($6K), Arcam CD33t CD player ($2.5k), cables by Verbatim (hand made by a genius by the name of Paul Garner, of Von Schweikert Audio.... ps. Thanks, Paul!)
I would be willing to stretch the budget, within reason for something truly, special....
Best regards.

pkale69
pkale69 OP
7 posts
 
Jgiacalo,
I have been told that the tubes used in the Magnum 99 were 6SN7 tubes, and those tubes were quite micro-phonic. Were those people wrong in their assessment?
pkale69 OP
7 posts
 
Jgiacalo,
I have been told that the tubes used in the Magnum 99 were 6SN7 tubes, and they were quite micro-phonic. Were those people wrong in their assessment?
pkale69 OP
7 posts
 
Sounds_real_audio,
Not sure where you got the impression I am looking for “A world beater tube preamp”. I am just looking for a “KISS ASS” tubed preamp... Oh my, can you say “ASS” on Audiogon? (BLUSH!) If so..., I’ve got a few others terms I would like run by my fellow audio-infected victims.
pkale69 OP
7 posts
 
Correction: the comment "KISS ASS" should have read "KICK ASS". Mia culpa.
greenman
53 posts
 
The ARC LS-25 was a relatively expensive preamp. At the new price I wasn't in love with the LS-25 but it is quite viable at the used price. The original LS-25 used 6922 tubes. The Mk II revision (2001) used 6H30s. So far, the 6H30 preamps I've heard haven't done it for me but I have not heard the new ARC Ref 3, The BAT VK-51SE or the Joule LA-150 so that opinion certainly isn't written in stone.
I tend to like tube preamps and amps that do not have much in the way of euphonic tubey colorations (some C-J and Cary products come to mind as too tubey) but still offer the dimensionality and "flesh" that the best tube gear provides. The preamps I've recommended strike a middle gound; not as SS sounding as some 6H30 designs but also not appreciably warmer and sweeter than life. You'll have to work out where that sonic line falls for you.
I would take a SF Line 3se or a BC 3 Despina Mk II in preference to either variant of the LS-25 but not by a huge margin. There is an upgrade path for the LS-25 through Great Northern Sound. Their Wadia mods are very good but I haven't heard the ARC mods.
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