BEST BALANCED XLR TUBE PREAMP FOR JC-1 MONOS?


Hello all,
I am wanting to experiment with tube preamps for my JC-1 monoblock amps.
Here are my requirements:
1. MUST have balanced XLR outputs.
2. Remote control preferred.
3. Would like a headphone jack.
4. Would prefer Class A, dual-mono, all discrete circuitry.
5. Must match up extremely well and have exceptional synergy with the JC-1's.
I want it to retain ALL the sound qualities of solid state preamps such as top-end extension, detail, transparency, dynamics, speed, bass power and extension, etc., while adding the dimensionality, staging, and "air" of tubes.
I do not want one that is the least bit rolled off on top, laid-back, too euphonic, warm, or rolled off or spongy in the bass.
Some balanced tube preamps I have heard some good things about are the Aesthetix Calypso, ARC LS25 MK.II, Sonic Frontiers, etc.
I want to hear from people with first hand experience only.
Thanks for all your help and answers, everyone!
Angela
audio_girl
I was just going to recomend the preamp you already have even though it's not tube. I love the Ayre K1x with my JC1s, and felt like it's addition was a huge improvment to my system. I had the CJ 17 before and no balanced outs, so it may not be a good comparison. I will be very interested to hear how your new preamp works out since you are using the same gear now as I am. If you can deal with the price, I would check out the VTL 7.5, also I think the Calypso sounds like a good idea too. Keep us posted on how things turn out, and good luck girl.
I don't know what the best balanced pre-amp would be for you. However, to achieve the results your looking for. Be certain the tube pre-amp you wind up with has a fully regulated power supply.
Looks to me as though your specifically asking for Sonic Frontiers Line 3. It's everything your asking for and then some. Its DC coupled low out-put impedance makes this tube line stage unusually compatible with solid state power amps.
Hey Angela,

It seems like there are many varied responses. If I may ask, why do you want a 'tubed' preamp? As a some have stated, your Ayre is as good as it gets on the SS end of the line.
If the Ayre 'floats your boat', you need look no further.

If you want the dynamics and power of SS, but with some 'tube bloom' in the mid's, and headphone jack is not a big deal, then again I think that the BAT VK-51SE is what you're looking (listening) for.
I'm not a schill, but the BAT gear is really fantastic. You owe it to yourself to at least give it a listen.

Cheers,
John