2. amps-preamps
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looking for ideas on a tube pre amp

I recently purchased a new pair of Focal Sopra #3 speakers and would like to try a tube pre amp with them. My main listening speakers have been Magnepan 20.1s with upgraded x overs for several years I purchased the Focals mostly to give my listening room a breath of fresh air even though I doubt I will ever part with my Maggies. I am currently using the Parasound JC2 preamp with the JC1 amps and mostly XLR cables so it would be nice to have a pre with XLR connections, I have been looking at the Audio research pre amps it would be nice to from someone that has tried several pre amps, I am giving myself a budget of about $2500. 
jeff99
chlv0ter's avatar
chlv0ter
31 posts
 
I've run a Rogue Audio M99 Super Magnum tube preamp with Focal floor standers and it calmed them down quite a bit.  Still Focal revealing and transparent sound but warmer...

lenmc2964's avatar
lenmc2964
237 posts
 
Rogue RP 1 or the RP 5 made in America both great preamp's at their price point. You can call Bill at Rogue he'll be happy to answer any questions you have. 
starboard
23 posts
 
Check out the Dehavilland Ultraverve 3. 
It's an all tube design using the robust sounding 6sn7 tube in signal path along with tube power supply. This pre provides big pure tone great bass and very well detailed. It can be bought with or without remote. I own this pre and am very pleased with my remote version. It's very quiet. I've owned the atma-sphere MP3 and was not happy with it. It is not a quiet preamp. The dehavilland Ultraverve 3 is never bright and never boring. It's a great sounding pre for $2500. I recommend giving Kara a call with any questions. She's very friendly and easy to talk to. 
ggc
178 posts
 
Hi Jeff99,

Exactly what do you mean when you say  "...give my listening room a breath of fresh air"  what is missing in your original set up,  what are you attempting to rectify? More Detail, Depth of Soundstage, More Bass...

I suspect that your Magnepan 20.1s are not getting enough power. I believe they are a better speaker than the Focals. 
jeff99 OP
4 posts
 
I have my magnepans sounding fabulous nothing is missing over the years I have tried multiple amps and other components and am very happy with the current set up. I have also had other focal speakers including 1038 be 918 profile L&R utopia BEs another speaker that has past through is the Sonus faber Elipsa Se. None have been better than my Magnepans. I never expected the Sopras 3s to be better just different (the breath of fresh air) hence wanting to try a tube pre with them the sopras are fantastic speakers and I think a tube pre would have great synergy with them I almost never stay within my budget when I start looking for components the 2500 is just to show I don't want to spend a fortune to try a pre I would also buy used so if I didn't like it I would simply sell it. 
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