2. amps-preamps
  3. 1274026244

Best balanced tube preamp for NHT XD System?

I'm hoping to receive some guidance on the best tube preamp for a NHT XD 2.1 (hopefully soon to be 2.2) setup. I'm presently using a Parasound JC2 and am mostly pleased. The Parasound is fed exclusively by a Benchmark DAC1. The sound is wonderful, but slightly on the "clinical" (as opposed to "warm") end of the sound spectrum. I'm hoping that the tubes can solve the problem. I've read a single (highly favorable) review of someone who matched the Cary SLP 03 with an XD setup, but the reviews for this preamp are scarce and somewhat mixed. I have a less-than-ideal Sunfire Classic Vacuum Tube preamp that needs to be refurbished and would prefer to go another route. Finally, and as a reminder, I would also prefer XLR balanced in and out.
teaman

Showing 1 response by anotherone

anotherone
4 posts
 
Teaman, what did you end up doing? What was your concern with the Sunfire tube pre-amp. I've read good things about them, and was thinking about trying that.

So far, I've used an Adcom GFP-750, a Primare PRE30, a B&K PT-3II, and briefly a Sonic Frontiers Line 2.

All different, and good, but none really brilliant. the Adcom, Primare and SF all sounded a bit lean and disambiguated, where the B&K sounded more coherent and "rich" but with less detail and separation of instruments - also a bit darker. (SF Line 2 was the brightest, interestingly).

I am still looking for some combination that sounds more coherent and musical, but still has good detail and articulation.
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