VAC Renaissance
mk III would probably fill the bill nicely, very hard to find on the used market though.
Best Tubed Preamp For A Warm, Rich Sound, Yet Still Detailed and Agile
As the title says, I am looking for an exceptional preamp (obviously tubed) with warmth and liquidity, some of that golden glow, in the midrange and highs. I do not want slowness, or lack of detail, however. My budget is up to $6,000.00, for a used model.
Based on my research, many of those that might make the list are very rare to find, and other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Based on my research, many of those that might make the list are very rare to find, and other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Showing 5 responses by jmcgrogan2
I'm not really sure what you are looking for. From what you have posted, it sounds like your preferences are toward the rich and warm sound, though you would like a bit of detail. You have to understand that as you get warmer, richer, sweeter sound, you also lose detail and definition. The higher the resolution and detail, the less warm and rich sounding. So obviously you cannot go in two opposite directions at one time. That said, if I am reading you right, the Cary SLP-05 or a Joule Electra LA-300ME may be just what you are looking for. The Allnic L-3000 mk 2 is more similar to my original suggestion of the VAC Renaissance mk III. These are not the warmest or richest sounding tube amps. The VAC and Allnic both lean more toward the resolution/detail side of the fence, but with a bit more warmth than the likes of ARC. It seems like you want more warmth and richness, so Cary, CJ or JE may be what works best for you. |
I hope your Rowland Model 6's are still serving you well! Actually, the Model 6's are long gone, but not forgotten. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/rowland-model-6-monoblocks-my-thoughts The Model 6's were some terrific amps, without question the best Class A/B amps I've ever heard. I have heard good things of Wells Audio, but I've never had a chance to hear any of their products. I'll be interested to see what preamp you wind up mating with that amp. Have you asked Jeff Wells for any preamp recommendation? |
Just curious, what caused you to leave the Model 6's behind, and what did you replace them with? The never ending quest for audio nirvana. I believe that I replaced the Model 6's with a BAT VK-75SE that I then had modified by Bob Backert of RHB Sound Dezign. The BAT is also long gone. I tend to vacillate between tubes and SS amps. This time last year was a VAC tube amp. This year, so far, it's Pass Labs SS amps. Who knows what the future holds? I've been married to the same woman for 33 years now. However, when it comes to audio equipment, I'm not the "settling down" type. I like to play the field. ;^) |
There are several in this chain who have pointed you in the direction of Cary's SLP-05 ..... well, I'm hear to tell you they are right. I'm curious as to if all the folks recommending the Cary SLP-05 have read this comment from the OP: The amplifier that I will be using the preamp with is superb, but not well known, which is why I failed to mention it earlier. It is the Wells Audio Innamorata, which is single ended with an amplifier input impedance of 50k ohms. I'm not sure that the SLP-05 is any better than the SLP-98 if you can not run it in balanced mode. Not to mention the point that Al (almarg) pointed out regarding the SLP-05's output impedance: While the description of the Innamorata at the Wells Audio website as well as in various reviews indicate its input impedance as 50K, its manual indicates 30K. I don’t know which number is correct, of course, but 30K would be somewhat marginal (or worse) for use with several of the preamps that have been suggested. For example, Stereophile measured the 20 Hz output impedance of the Lamm LL2 at 3.3K, and the 20 Hz output impedance of the Cary SLP-05 at 3.4K, both of which would be just barely acceptable in conjunction with a 30K load, IMO. |