2. amps-preamps
  3. 1257080997

Need budget, used tube preamp to go with Bel Canto

Hi, Gang!

I am moving up to separates from a Unison Unico integrated amp. I want to see what my Ohm Walsh 100-S3 speakers will sound like with more power. I picked up a Bel Canto S300 (150 W into 8 ohms) here on Audiogon. Now I need a preamp. I'm pretty much sold on getting a tube preamp, but my budget is only $700 max this time. So a used preamp is obviously the way to go. I don't need a phono stage because I have an outboard unit (a Bottlehead Seduction that I built.)

What suggestions do you have for a relatively inexpensive used tube preamp that will mate well with the S300?

And what do you think of using a Peachtree Decco as a preamp? My CD player (Music Hall CD 25.2) has digital out, so I could use the digital in on the Decco for that, and use the analog inputs for my phono stage and tuner.

Thanks in advance for your wisdom!
rebbi

Showing 2 responses by pdspecl

pdspecl
254 posts
 
If you can stretch your budget a bit check out the
Conrad Johnson PV-11 tube preamplifier posted
OR the
Audio Research SP9 also posted

I have a TAD 150 Signature. Also nice, big sound stage, very neutral but still has that nice tube flavor. I've used it with ss and tube amps equally well. Has remote for those that like that. Uses (2) 12??7 version tubes so tube rolling is not that expensive versus some other models. Be sure to get the Signature version as it sounds better than the standard version. Does have built in phono section (which I know your not looking for) but the phono section is not that good. The value here is the line stage section. Signature version is probably worth about $700 or so depending on tubes included. A good value and they appear to hold their value here on Agon.
pdspecl
254 posts
 
I've never heard CJ myself - just going by many, many user comments. Per the seller his '11' model/version is supposedly much better than the lesser models. A pre is so critical in the system. Spend the extra $100 > $200 to get a good one so you won't need to upgrade later.
Maybe seller would go down a bit.
Also, there's a TAD 150 posted, not sure if it's a signature model though. Maybe he'd go down on price.
Good luck!!!
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