Give me a tube preamp that looks and sound great


Just looking for a tube preamp that is quiet, has great extension and realism, and is aroung 2000 USD. I've got an Audio Research SP 16L now and want to take things a step above. I use an Odyssey Dual mono amp and Dynaudio Contour 1.3 MKII speakers. I've begun to investigate the Supratek Chardonnay and Dehavillard preamps. My styles of listening run the gamet with focus on rock, jazz, and folk. Thanks to all for you opinions. I do like the look of outboard tubes too.
canucks0

Showing 1 response by gliderguider

Take a look at the Canary products, especially the CA-801 and up. Great sound, and really well built. I haven't heard any Supratek products, so I can't compare, but on their own merits Canary are a class act. Used units would be within your price range.

I don't know if you're open to other approaches than tubes at this point, but a transformer passive can be a very attractive alternative. I have a Canary 801 as well as an Audion Premier (a 6922 line stage with SS power supply), but with my Canary 339 monoblocks the Bent Audio NOH passive is noticeably better than either of them. However, on some other amps the situation is reversed, so this isn't an absolute recommendation, just something to think about.