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Tube Preamps...I'm sold

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.

Thanks in advance.
128x128tboooe
kgturner's avatar
kgturner
663 posts
 
if you don't need a phono stage, the supratek cabernet is a reference piece for only $5k. now you'll likely have to wait 6-8 months as they are hand built, but well worth the wait. i have a supratek chardonnay and malbec amps. the chardonnay is an excellent linestage that's best every other line stage i've owned before (aragon soundstage, pass labs x2.5, acoustic research sp-16l). best of all, mick can customize the cabernet to fit most any requirement you need. good luck in your hunt and have a happy new year.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Tom, what is the REX? Yes, BAT is on my shortlist.
hartwerger
105 posts
 
I'm going out on a limb here because I haven't heard most of the preamps mentioned so far, but I would recommend the Mapletree Ultra 4A SE with the 2PS separate power supply, cost is around $700-800 for both. While waiting for the delivery, order an aftermarket umbilical cord from Revelation Audio (the cord that connects the linestage to the power supply), cost $169-199 depending on the length needed. You will not only have a linestage but a phone stage as well. With the Revelation Audio cord, you will have a fist class contender with plenty of dough left over for anything else your hearts desire.
arahl
73 posts
 
Ditto on the ARC Ref-3. As to older ARC models, I actually think the later production Ref-1's - with Infinicaps - sound better than the Ref-II's, but IF, and only if, you run them with a really good set of NOS tubes.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
do you have any objections to older products, say from the 80's or prior to that ?

if "old" is ok, how about an audio research sp 10, or one of the jadis preamps, conrad johnson pv 5 or conrad johnson premier 3, or mfa luminescence ???
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