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
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.
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
You can probably get a Rogue
for a good price. Cary SLP98 is a pretty nice preamp. You haven't stated how much you want top spend?
blk25
31 posts
 
My opinion on Audio Research is similar to hifigeek1's comment. AR is all over the place with their preamps. Some of them sound great while others don't. They aren't consistent from model to model. I'm not saying to avoid them, but I would never consider buying one blind. Highly recommend you demo first.
phd
1,315 posts
 
I second the Audible Illusions 3A recommendation or the Audible Illusions L-1 if you have an outboard phono preamp. Even though both preamps share the same linestage, I prefer the master gain control with one volume on the AI L-1 rather than two volume controls on the AL 3A. You can expect very good dynamics and transparency with both not to mention top notch sound quality.

The other tube preamp I like after trying many is the VTL 2.5. Try and find one with a tube phono circuit installed.
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