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
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 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...
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
I am not a big fan of the SP-9. It is a hybrid using old FET technology. BTW there are 3 versions of the preamp with the MKIII version being the best of the three. They have crosstalk issues. If you're looking for a preamp with a phono stage, look at a used SP-16. Much better sounding preamp.
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