2. amps-preamps
  3. 1329623874

Single Source Tube PreAmp?

I'm vinyl only and I want to use a good a preamp as possible, but I don't want all those inputs and switches and extras. Just attenuation. Is there such thing as a single input tube preamp? I've tried just the attenuators like the Placette and a TVC model but they are a bit dry. Loved the sound of an SP11 but it's just too much component.
dhcod
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
The Manley STEELHEAD tube phono stage can be setup as a preamp and has a very good following.

Many reviewers considered it "state of art" a while back.
dhcod OP
710 posts
 
Line stage. I have an ASR Basis Exclusive, so the Steelhead isn't really what I'm looking for, although I considered it when I bought the ASR but the ASR sounded better in my setup.
jwmazur
190 posts
 
So long as you have a phono stage for your turntable, you could get by with a tube buffer such as an Decware Z-Stage, which has a single input, tube gain stage, and gain control. I own a Z-Stage and just installed a Sophia Electric 12AU7 tube. I am even more happy with it now. Eastern Electric also make a tube buffer that looks quite good and has good reviews.
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