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Need some recommendations on Tube Preamps

I recently bought a pair of magnapan 1.6QR which are outstanding speakers. Although this may not have been beneficial for me but when I auditioned the system used was accompanied with a tube preamp. I currently have solid state Bryston BP20 and 3BST system. Sound is great but tube preamp was sweet sounding. My question is what would you folks recommend for a tube preamp paired up with a Bryston 3BST? My price range would be around $2000.00 and my listening pleasure is opera or classical! thanks
birdiewins
mrupgrade
23 posts
 
Hands down look for a EAR 834L used for around 1,200 or 2,400 new.
markwatkiss
508 posts
 
Audio Research tube pres have a natural synergy with Bryston amps.Also,second the recommendation on the Modwright,excellent build quality and sonics.
starcon
98 posts
 
I had a BP 20 with a 4b on 3.3r's years ago. I then put a levinson 380S on it and it was like wow. I realize its a transistor pre, so the key is price. There are plenty of tubes that would be great. A few would be like, Bat vk51se about $4500 used, or asthetix or art audio or ?
jdolgin
82 posts
 
I have 2 great choices for you.

Audible Illusions Mod3A....commonly available her on the'Gon...well under $2000 sweet sounding, very dynamic, with great bass. Mates wonderfully with solid state amplifiers..... The tube choice is key here. Great pre-amp.

Also, an EAR 834Line stage for CD only or an EAR 864 for line + phono.
Also wonderful sounding and under budget.
birdiewins OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the responses, great start for me to review these products. The system that was used was Vintage product dating back 40 years! Tubes is new for me and when we plugged the transistor integrated amp it was still nice sound but the tubes were better. Unfortunately many have told me that TUBE amps are not good with Planar speakers which is ideal for me since I want to keep my Bryston Amp to drive the speakers! If I had another question it would be Balance or single ended?
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