3 great tube preamps. Which would you purchase?


Hello,

I’m currently looking at a used VTL TL-5.5 Series II Stereo Tube Preamplifier
Don Sachs 65N7 Preamp (new), and last but not least LTA Microzotl Preamp - new. 

I like Ike the fact that the VTL has balanced outputs. Which the 65N7 and LTA Microzotl lack. 

My current amp - Bel Canto Ref500s. Has the option of XLR or RCA for input. I like the idea of going all balanced with my set up. 

Its not mandatory to have an all balanced system if one preamp lacks xlr outputs. It’s more of what will work best.  It’s a heavy investment for me. Regardless of which one I will purchase. I like to set it and forget it. Upgrading every couple of years is despised as much as clothing shopping. 

Price is not always indicative of quality. All three mentioned are great contenders imo. All fluctuate a bit in pricing. If anyone could chime in, stating which preamp they might prefer would be greatly appreciated. 

It’s a safe assumption all have their own sound signature. I’m looking to round off the class d sound a bit. It’s not overtly bright. Though I’ve heard the tube sound. I know it will be a game changer in conjunction with my current equipment.  Very curious to know what the communities take would be on this post. 

I have a very basic set up.  
MacBook Pro 
Dynaudio Special 40’s
Bel Canto Ref Link
Bel Canto 3.7 Dac
Bel Canto Ref500s / most recent build. 
interconnects, speaker cable, and power cords are holding up well. 

Turntable preamp to be determined in the future. 


My kind regards,

Jay. 


jred

Showing 2 responses by bluorion

Hi Jay---we have similar systems. I've been updating mine over the past 6 months after many years of having the same audio equipment. I have a Marantz ND8006 integrated amp (using as a preamp for a Bel Canto REF500S amp---which sounds really good.) I also have a pair of Dynaudio Special 40s!  I'm thinking of adding a 'proper' preamp next year so I can have the Bel Canto balanced. I've never had separates up until now. This is what I've looked at so far:
-LTA MicroZotl-->when paired with the Bel Canto, it sounds really nice (friend of mine has this)
-PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC as a preamp
-Rogue Audio RP5 (but not balanced)
-Modwright LS100 but I've heard that's being discontinued
-Hegel P20 preamp

BTW, the LTA does make a clicking noise when you adjust the volume---has to do with a relay. I noticed it as soon as my friend adjusted the volume---but he doesn't seem to care.

Good luck on your journey---let us know what you end up getting.
~DR
@goldprintaudio Thanks for the suggestions regarding the Bel Canto amp---would the PS Audio Stellar GS DAC be a good fit as well? I've also heard good reviews about the Bel Canto and Rogue combo. Question: What interconnects work well with this combo? Or the PS Audio/BC combo? Thanks!
~DR