2. amps-preamps
  3. 1213528631

"Budget" pre tube with SS power amp

I like the idea of have a tube pre amp with a ss power amp. But I know next to nothing about tubes. What are thing to keep in mind when looking for a tube pre that has to work with a SS power. I know some tube pre have an high Output impedance it this a concern? Some tube pre also have some slight DC output. For tube power amps as far as I know this is not a problem but for SS power amps this could spell major disaster as far as I know.

Some tube pre amps that come to mind are the:
Primaluna Prologue 3
Cayin SC-6LS
Melody SHW1688II
Manley Shrimp

The thing is I am looking for some of the tube magic but I don't want an overly warm bloated pre with last of nice fuzzy/warm mids but no low or high to speak of.

So any advise you have is welcome.
mordante
kkm
124 posts
 
Do you mean Marsh p2000? They do have a tube hybrid version, the p2000t, that is affordable and great performer.
mordante OP
511 posts
 
@Kkm

I have heard the Primaluna P3 this week but I think it is to warm/mellow. Can you discribe how the Marsh p2000t is?
phd
1,320 posts
 
Mordante, some tube preamps don't provide the dynamics and full sound for rock music. Since I like a variety of music including rock I have found the VTL 2.5 tube preamp to be an outstanding performer in all areas, delivering excellent bass, extended highs but with a wonderful midrange. Also I never had an impedance matching issue with the VTL 2.5 with various solid state amps. On occasions you can find one used on Audiogon for around $800.00 to $900.00. By the way, how much is 1500 euro in US dollars?

If you really want to save money on a tube preamp, the high resolution Audio Experience Symphonies V2R is ridiculasly good at its new asking price of $448.00 out of Hong Kong (YS Audio). It is a pure tube design (tube rectified) with two pairs of outputs, four pairs of inputs, remote control operates volume & input selection. Quality parts are used throughout: Alps, Wima, Dale, and the sound beats the pants off many name brand preamps. I personally, in addition to some others, use one & I love it.
mordante OP
511 posts
 
1500euro is about $2300. But I know the primaluna prologue 3 is about $1500 in the US and 1500euro in the Netherlands. I think, but I cannot prove it that audio in the US is a bit cheaper. But all Dutch prices I mention are including the 19% VAT we have in the Netherlands. So when I import things from outside of Europe I have to pay about 4% import tax and 19% VAT.

Brand new the VTL 2.5 is 2700euro, a shop is selling a demo model for 2290euro. What kind of tubes does the VTL use?

The shop that sells the PL P3 also has a used BAT VK-3i and say it will be more according taste. It's the same shop that sells the VTL 2.5

http://www.wenwaudio.nl/

Just so you can see 2nd hand audio prices in the Netherlands.
mingles
797 posts
 
What kind of tubes does the VTL use?
2 x 12AU7, 2 x 12AT7
TL-2.5 specs
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