2. amps-preamps
  3. 1151528342

Trying out a tube preamp

Hello, all. I'm looking for some ideas. My 2-channel system consists of a Sony SCD777ES front-end, Bryston BP25 preamp, Bryston 4BSST amp, Audioquest Python and Caldera wires, and Totem Mani2 speakers. My listening room measures about 13 by 15 feet and is "dead" in character -- carpeting, sheetrock over concrete walls, bookcases, etc. Musical taste covers the spectrum.

I'm very happy with the system and have been enjoying it for a few years. But... you know how it goes. Lately I've been thinking of trying something different. I'm thinking a tube preamp in place of the BP25. Just a hunch that it might be a worthwhile change. Let's say the budget is up to USD$5000. Used is fine. Any recommendations on what would work well with the rest of my system?
128x128srestivo
rlips
105 posts
 
I greatly enjoyed my ARC REFII MK2, used here should be within your budget. I replaced the stock 6l6GC and 5AR4 with NOS tubes from Kevin at upscale audio and never looked back.

Ron
sbrtoy
122 posts
 
Second the Aesthetix, I sold mine when I integrated my 2 ch and HT, miss it still. It is also extremely flexible and offers many features that several of the others mentioned do not.
calloway
874 posts
 
if all you need is a linestage then the 'first sound' line is absolutely superb and is upgradable...mr. emanual go is a great guy also....he has separate power supplies and separate channel controls also...
twc
42 posts
 
Lector zoe and an aloia amp is what did it for me. It took another leap forward with a thor power conditioner. I have lived with it for a while now and I am still amazed. With good live recordings there is absolutely no sense of speakers in the room. Acoustic and voice would be hard to beat for my tastes. Keepers, although the aloia amp hums slightly.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,249 posts
 
The Lector Zoe is quite the preamplifier ,it has loads of headroom and it is miles better than the good T.A.S review done over 4 years ago now a mk-3 ,and being able to use 6 different tubes types let's you taylor the pre exactly to your ear.
70s 6h-30 Russian tube is a great tube for this excellent preamp.I have found No preamp in the $5k range that truly
betters this preamp in more than one dept,and I have tried several big named preamps ,one of the best buys in all of audio amd this also goes for their great
cd-7-Mk-3 player.
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