At the constant urging of my friend I finally decided to audition a tube preamp (Eistein The Tube). All I can say is I am completely sold on the benefits of tubes in my system. I am not sure I have the vocabulary to describe what I heard but everything just sounded right. Vocals has a realism that made it seem I was in the same room as the musician. Instruments sounded like they were supposed to. There were details I have never heard before. What is amazing to me is that I have what I believe to be a pretty good ss preamp (Classe CP-700).
Ok, now for the hard part...finding the right tube preamp. The Einstein is amazing but I want to audition more. Can anyone suggest a tube pre in the range of $10K and less? I would love to some one with an output trigger and very fine volume control (0.5db). Thats all I need.
Audio Research Ref 3- probably a great choice. Aesthetix Calypso First Sound
There's plenty more based on what you are looking for or need. Do you want or need balanced inputs/outputs? Remote control? Mono/Stereo switch? HT bypass? etc.
Thanks for the responses. I would prefer balanced with a nice remote. I am only using this for 2 ch so I dont need HT pass. I also dont want tone control.
Shindo Monbrisson at $7,900.The best tube preamp you could hear,unless you want to try the more expensive Shindo preamps. No balanced connections and no remote. Hitherto unexperienced musical bliss. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/shindo/monbrison.html
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