2. amps-preamps
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Tube Preamps?

For a few years, I have been "bottom feeding" with a NAD 1135 preamp. Even though it's old, it has served me well. Now, however, I am thinking seriously about going into the used tube preamp market.

I am looking for a tube preamplifier that would sound good with my current gear, which consists of: B&K 140 amp, Vandersteen 2C speakers, a Music Hall TT, a Denon CD player, and ~10,000 LPs. I have been considering an ARC SP-9, a big old Macintosh, etc.

Ideas?
licoricepizza2
licoricepizza2 OP
10 posts
 
The amp I have is an old B&K ST140. Sterophile (favorably) reviewed the amp way back when, and put it on the bench before listening. They rated the input impedance at 24.3k ohms. Since I am not much of an EE, I'm not sure if that's good/bad/something to watch.
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
835 posts
 
My only idea is this: At one time I had a NAD 304 as my preamp, and I went with a Quicksilver Linestage using 12AU7 tubes (it was a very early model, SN 0005). That single change was as big a step up as I've taken since I've been doing this hobby.
Not a recommendation for a Quicksilver, but a recommendation to follow through on your hunch.
blk25
31 posts
 
Another one you may want to look at is a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1. It's not made any more, but if you find a good used one, I can't see you not being happy with it. I had one when it was still in production and was very happy with it. Sounded like a much more expensive unit.

Also, I just remembered that I had a b&k amp (don't remember the model) at the time and the results were very good.
pdspecl
254 posts
 
How about the Van Alstine T8 posted here on Agon?
exocet954
98 posts
 
Audible Illusions 3A would be a nice upgrade. It's a great preamp used. All the best...
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