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
alex333 OP
38 posts
 
Pulled the trigger on the mapletree. Cant wait to hear it.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
It won't disappoint.
Great choice.
It is a keeper.

Best
Mariusz
alex333 OP
38 posts
 
Finally got the 4A SE in.

This pre makes my system sound amazing, instruments are clear, almost 3D, detailed, natural, quiet, smooth. Everybody's jaw drops when they hear my system now compared to before.

Love the look. Friend of mine has quite a bit of experience with electronics, and says the component and build quality is great. Haven't started trying to upgrade the sound with different tubes yet, but even with the ones that came from Dr. Peppard (RCAs and GEs) I am very very happy.

BTW Dr. Peppard is a great person to talk to, very patient and flexible.
jaymark's avatar
jaymark
519 posts
 
A tube pre-amp that is not talked about much is the Air-Tight. I have one and absolutely love it. It sounded really nice in the stock form and I had it modified and it is a giant killer. Used on AG you can find them for about 1800 dollars. Chow at Audiohorizons modded mine at a cost of a bit over a grand; this included taking the power supply out of the original case and isolating it in its own enclosure.

It is not howerver a tube syrupy pre-amp. This may depend on the tubes used and I am not much of a tube roller so that is out of my league....Using the tubes I have, whatever they are, it is smooth, spacious, with very impressive front to back soundstaging, and very pleasing tonal colors.
More to discover