2. amps-preamps
  3. 1154005476

I need help choosing my next tube preamp.

Although I really enjoyed usnig my ARC LS-15 preamp since I bought it brand new several years ago, I'm looking to upgrade it.

I'd like to stay with tube preamps only.

I like experimenting with different tubes, so the new preamp should probably not be based on the new 6H30 supertube.

Qualities I'm looking for in my next preamp - it should have a pretty laid back(more so than the LS-15) but dynamic character, with plenty of detail, but not be hyper detailed, should have good definition in the bass region(deep, tight bass, not bloaty), full sounding mids and produce a wide and deep soundstage.
Also, it should have a high resolution volume control with plenty of steps to provide ability to fine tune volume for late night low-level listening.

Primary source in my system is digital. No analog as of yet.

The candidate preamps are:
ARC LS-25 MkI,
BAT VK-31,
Sonic Frontiers Line-3
Aesthetix Calypso

I'm pretty much open to other tube preamp suggestions, as long as it is from a well known manufacturer and is not known to have reliability issues.

I listen to different types of music. Classical, traditional and modern jazz, blues and rock.

Really looking for your expert opinion. And if someone who has any experience with the mentioned preamps can share their thoughts, it would be great!

Thanks a lot!!!!
128x128audphile1
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,282 posts
 
I've been offered to demo a Calypso and VK-31 in my own system. I may take advantage of it and check these units out first hand.

Jafox, little roll-off at the extreme highs would most likely not hurt me too much with the B&W N803 speakers that I'm using as they sometomes have high frequencies to spare. I'm willing to experiment. But my goal is to get a smooth preamp not lacking in punch and dynamics. If this is possible.

I've heard lots of good things about ARC LS-5 but I don't think it will work good in my system due to very high output gain of this preamp and input sensitivity of the DNA-225 amp. I've modded my LS-15 with Dynamicaps. Dynamicaps are a nice improvement over the original caps, but still, I'd like something a bit more relaxed sounding.

What about SF Line-3SE? So far it hasn't been mentioned. I've never listened to it, but am very familiar with Line-1SE. How could the Line-3 be characterized vs Line-1? I kind of like the sound of line-1 but I think it lacks a bit in dynamic drive.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,282 posts
 
I'll add to the list of desired features the XLR inputs and outputs and a remote control. Sorry...missed it in the beginning.
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
I'll add to the list of desired features the XLR inputs and outputs and a remote control. Sorry...missed it in the beginning.
That removes the Lamm from consideration.

I've been offered to demo a Calypso and VK-31 in my own system. I may take advantage of it and check these units out first hand.
Always the best way to answer the question. Enjoy!
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,282 posts
 
Thanks Boa2.

But please keep the suggestions flowing. It's been years since I shopped for a preamp and I'm really unfamiliar with the sound of the latest models. I'm also planning on visiting few NYC hi-end audio stores, just to take a quick listen to few preamps. This won't be as good of an evaluation as I would be able to do in my own system, but at least I may get an idea.
jafox
1,460 posts
 
The LS5 MK III comes as 12 or 18db. I believe it is typically set in the factory as 12db. When I updated mine to 18db, I had to replace 8 resistors....it took about 1/2 hour of time. But if you want something more relaxed, the BAT models will do this vs. the more forward sound of the ARC models.

All of your requirements are pointing to the Aesthetix Callisto.
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