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Recommend relatively obscure high end tube preamps

Just wondering whether people can offer advice on high end preamps worth auditioning. I am looking for those who have experience with more esoteric and expensive equipment (MSRP >5000). I've owned Wavac (never should have sold it) and now own the Aesthetix Callisto Signature. I've owned BAT, CJ, ARC so I'm not looking for answers on things you can readily find.

One that comes to mind is the Brinkmann Marconi. Any opinions?

What else is out there?

~ William
classicjazz
restock
831 posts
 
It was the singularly most musical (romantic) preamp I have owned

Looks like you should really give a Fi amp or preamp a try!

Of course, also trust Gmood1 to come up with the most obscure and wonderful sounding gear out there.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Thanks Restock! I forgot to add ..the last time I spoke to Mikhail. He was designing tube adapters for his preamps. He said it was possible to try a huge variety of tubes/voltages just by popping in the inserts. Unfortunetly these adapters only work with the Single Power preamps. So skys the limit on tube rolling!
rcprince
3,075 posts
 
Although it's probably a little better known than the others mentioned here, the Jadis JP80MC (or JPS2, if you just want a line stage) matches your description of what the Wavac unit sounded like. A classic preamp.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I sold my Gryphon Elektra some years back and still regreting it, it was one of those few components where one could easily forget about the "boxes" letting the music "wash you over".

Other that comes to my mind is the Metaxas Oppulence preamp, great musicality but un-even durability.

Fernando
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,217 posts
 
I had nice luck with the Joule Electra LA 150... I think retail is around $5250.
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