2. amps-preamps
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Best tube preamp, cost not object ?

I´m interested on one tube preamp, only LINE. I heard in the last CES the Kondo and Messenger preamps, and really they sounds exceptionally well, but I can´t heard others, almost the Emotive audio epifania.The ARC Ref 3 and Lamm seems to be in a second league.

I will be pleased to know if you heard in the past, or personally you owns, the emotive audio epifania or others, as CJ ACT2, EAR 864,deHavilland mercury, Aestethix Callisto, and which is your opinion about them in relation to the Kondo, epifania and Messenger.

And finally one more question, if you don´t to pay so much money for one tube preamp, which will be the best posibility for you, among the following list? Modwright,Herron VTSP-2, Tron Syren, EAR 864, Eastern electric Minimax, MARSH 2000T, Aestethix CALYPSO, Supratek.
emigene
jond's avatar
jond
5,861 posts
 
I own and love a Herron VTSP-1A and have heard great things about the VTSP-2. However having looked at the photos from CES by Larry at High End Palace, I told my girlfriend that I was considering embarking on a life of crime to raise funds for the stunning two chassis Air Tight Reference Preamp. That was a good idea as I later found out that little number retails for a cool $25K! Oh well, somehting new to dream about...
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
there really is no 'best' at any price. lots of cost-no-object though. the synergy with your amp, source ,and speakers can make a lot of difference.
daverobertson
60 posts
 
I think for the money you can not go wrong with the Modwright SWL 9.0SE.
Good luck,
Dave
fmpnd
481 posts
 
Sorry Emigene, but it is really impossible to answer your question. It is like asking who makes the best chocolate? It's all opinion unless you give us some idea of what your sonic preferences and priorities are, what your associated system is comprised of, what your room is like, what music you listen to etc.
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