2. amps-preamps
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Warm tube preamp for under 1000

Hey guys I am looking for a warm sounding tube preamp with a budget of 1000. Phono stage would be a bonus but is not necessary. I will be hooking it up to a Plinius sa-100 Mkiii amplifier. Here are some that I have been looking at:

1) Cary SLP-74
2) Primaluna prologue 3
3) Cary AES
4) Possibly a Conrad Johnson preamp

I have one more question for you guys. I have heard that there is a certain order when turning on/off a tube preamp that is hooked up with a SS amp. Which is the correct order and why is this? Thanks!
macd
peter_s
1,348 posts
 
The Cary SLP-50a is a nice one, warm, enjoyable to listen to. Kind of hard to find (I have one).
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
VTL 2.0 used to gain a lot of press. it should be in your wheel house.

Get whatever and add RCA tubes to it.
macd OP
103 posts
 
Thanks guys for all of your responses. First I want to address that I have been using a passive. (Bel Canto Dac3). I dont have a problem with brightness at all. I do on the other hand want to get into vinyl so I do need a preamp. Also I miss the warmth of my Classe. So you could say that I want some of that "tubey" sound. I have also heard that my plinius really shines with a tube preamp. I have heard alot about the cary AES, but resently i have been leaning toward a Primaluna Prologue 3. Has anyone compard the two?
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