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Hybrid Balanced Tube Preamp?

Hi Guys,
I am running a hybrid power amplifier which has two tube complement in the input section (rest is a solid state but class A) - i want to partner this amplifier a equally good "Hybrid Tube Preamp" which is Fully/Truly balanced, and would like "minimal" tubes..most shortlisted now seems unattainable because these units carry 4 or more tubes (Veloce,cary SLP) and the other brands have tubes in the output stage and mostly unbalanced (redwine audio,herron etc) - do you guys know of any other brands? does it make sense for me run a SS preamp like Hegel etc? i guess it defeats the purpose of then again having tubes in the power section!
thegoodarcher

Showing 2 responses by kurt_tank

kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
I recommend the VTL TL-6.5 signature line stage preamp. It is a hybrid preamp, with two 12AU7 tubes. It is very transparent and very flexible. I have this running my Lamm hybrid M2.1 monoblock amps.

(FYI: This replaced the Ayre K-1XE preamp that I had been using for nine years. The VTL is slightly better sonically and much better functionally than the Ayre, but the Ayre was a full function preamp, with a near reference phono stage.)

Note: Tube rolling is fairly easy and cheap due to the minimal number of tubes and the type. I went with the very neutral RFT 12AU7 tubes, which are fairly inexpensive.

Good luck in your search!
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Hey Thegoodarcher,

You might want to make out a list of the features of your future preamp that you really want, so you can narrow down your choice.

I mention this because the Lamm preamps do not come with a remote control. (Obviously I am not a critic of Lamm products, given that I own their amps, but I'm merely pointing out that some (most?) people really want a remote control for their preamp - I know it was on my "must have" list of features.) Now sonically, the Lamm preamps are excellent. (I think they have just a touch of darkness to them, as do my Lamm amps actually, but they are very, very musical.) In addition, note that the Lamm preamps are actually not fully balanced, but are in fact pseudo balanced, (unlike their amps which are fully balanced).

You might also want to consider some of the Audio Research preamps, as they are fully balanced and have loads of features as well. (Their Ref. 3 preamp was on my short list as it is very good, and their Ref. 5 preamp is incredible!)

If you're looking to avoid tube rolling, (although I recommend against that actually), I would look into the BAT SE preamps, as well as the later ARC Reference preamps, as they use the extemely quiet and very neutral 6H30 super tubes, which you can't really tube roll, as there is only manufacturer, (to the best of my knowledge). BTW, Victor Khomenko, of BAT fame, is a really nice guy to work with, and will gladly answer all of your questions regarding his products.

Again, Good Luck in your search!
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