2. amps-preamps
  3. 1261957803

Go with a tube preamp or not?

Hello everyone, I am interested in purchasing a tube preamp for my system. I am considering replacing the Classe CP 60 I am currently using and am looking for recommendations. The rest of my system is a Denon 3910 with Upgrade Company signature mods, a pair of Aragon Palladium 2 monos also upgraded by Upgrade Company, a pair of Intuitive Design Summits with Path stands and a total of 6 Stillpoints per side. I use a Velodyne DD12 to augment the low end. Cabling is mostly Ridge Street Audio with one pair of Jungson Golden Dragons used between the pre and power amps. the room is about 13.5 by 17.5 with 8 foot ceilings. I listen to a wide range of music including pop, classic rock, heavy metal, contemporary jazz, blues, and funk. Normal listening volume is 80 to 85 db's but occasionally will listen in the range of 90 to 95 db's if the mood strikes me.

I recently got to hear another member's system that has the Summits and uses a very nice tube preamp. I would like to see if I could get some of that tube sound in my system. I am not looking to drastically change the sound of my system, rather just add a touch of warmth. I have no experience with tube gear, so I am looking for help. I have looked at past threads, but am not finding specific enough info.

There are a couple of requirements that I am looking for and a couple of others that would be nice but are not mandatory. First, I want the unit to be remote controlled. It needs to have both balanced and single ended outputs that are active at all times. (My amps are balanced and I am not looking to change them at this time. The amps also have a 44 kohm input impedance.) Home theater pass thru would be nice, but is not mandatory. Same thing for phono capabilities. I am looking in the $1500 range used but could go as high as $2k if the right deal came along. I am not going above the 2k mark. I would need to sell the Classe pre first.

I have looked a little, and offerings from BAT, Audio Research and Conrad Johnson have all gotten my interest. I am sure there are plenty of others that I haven't mentioned. What I don't want to lose that the Classe does well is pacing and dynamic contrast. Any input is appreciated.
csmgolf
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Rleff, I can't say that I am familiar with your amp, but looking it up online, it uses (2) 12AU7's and (1) 12AX7. I assume that the 12AU7's are in the driver stage, the single 12AX7 may be a phase splitter. I'm not sure here, I know my amp uses (4) KT88 power tubes and (4) 12AU7's in the driver stage. IME, rolling the preamp tubes makes the biggest difference in sound (assuming 6DJ8/12AU7/12AX7). Rolling power tubes, driver tubes, and 6H30 preamp tubes can make a difference, but it is not nearly as big a difference as I hear between Amperex/ Mullard/ Siemens/ Telefunkens etc in the 6DJ8/12AU7/12AX7 categories.

Once more, that is just my opinion, from what I have heard in my system and a couple others. I would think you would hear the most difference rolling between types of power tubes in your amp, since it can handle KT 88, EL 34, or 6550. It should be fun to compare some nice KT88's with some good EL 34's.

Cheers,
John
rleff
1,065 posts
 
John-thanks I am interested in that el34 tube as well;any types you would recommend?I have never heard a el34 tube based amp.
I have rolled some kt88's with the 6550's that came with the amp so far;in my cary slam 100's I perferred kt88's but in this amp I seem to lean toward the 6550's instead.
wa6itd
1 posts
 
I strongly recommend Audio Research. You might be able to find a used LS17 in your price range, or the LS16 Mark II; both excellent. I normally do not recommend used stuff, but Audio Research preamps are so reliable that you do not need to worry about buying a used one.
I have the LS26 now, which is $6000, but I used to have the LS16 Mark II, and it is probably the best bang for the buck at your price level.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Rleff, I like the Svetlana Winged "C" EL 34. What KT88's are you using? I'm using Genalex Gold Lion re-issues in my VAC amp. I think it'd be fun to play with an amp that could handle either. Another generalization I've noted is the EL 34's tend to be a bit smoother and sweeter in the midrange, while KT-88's have better dynamics and power. I can't really say that I've used 6550's in an amp. My only experience with the 6550 was in the power supply section of my ARC Ref 3 preamp.

Cheers,
John
rleff
1,065 posts
 
John- I ran JJ Electronics kt88's and Gold Aero Premium grade in my Cary Slam 100's.
In the Audio Valve Challangers are Svetlana 6550c's.
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