2. amps-preamps
  3. 1230213947

Thinking about moving to a tube pre - suggestions.

Hello all,
I currently have a classe ssp-25 preamp, connected to a Hafler 9500 driving B&W DM640s. Sources Oppo 981, and Technics 1200SL TT (Ortofon 2M red) via a Bellari vp-129.

In your 1st hand opinion, would a tube pre w built in phono stage improve the sound from the Bellari / Classe ssp-25?

I'm considering the following..
Mapletree Ultra 4A SE
Quicksilver Full Function Pre

Any other options at similar price ranges are appreciated.

Also I read that tubes should be changed every year or so, because the sound quality decays slowly.

Thanks,
alex333
sarcher30
596 posts
 
As to the question about tube replacement. Power tubes in amplifiers need to be replaced about once a year, depending on amplifier design and how often you use them. Tubes in preamps often last 3 to 4 years or more, also depening on design and usage.
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Elevick: Your right about that..Great all around piece..I owned sp6,8,9,and SP11 for years .Any of the SP6,8,10 or 11 would be great............
elevick
2,638 posts
 
I especially love the tube phono stage.
alex333 OP
38 posts
 
There's an SP9 listed right now here. Any first hand experience with it versus the other AR models, and the Mapletree / Quicksilver products?

THanks
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Alex333 : The SP9 in my opinion would be a "Bad" mistake..The SP 9 in my opinion are threadbare and very lean sounding...This would not be the direction you asked about...An Audio Rsearch SP 6,8,10 or 11 is a whole different story...
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