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Need Help Choosing a Tube Preamp for a Classe Amp

I have Thiel CS3.7 speakers and a Delta 2200 Classe amp. I'd like some suggestions for what tube preamps to audition to match with this amp/speaker combo. The Thiels are wonderful but unforgiving of things like tube rush and I have little interest in tube rolling or high maintenance. The Classe Delta is a fairly neutral SS amp. I'd rather not spend more than $3000 used...or is that unreasonably low? I've listened to the VTL 5.5 and was impressed.
vhiner

Showing 5 responses by vhiner

vhiner OP
544 posts
 
I ended up going with a conrad-johnson CT5. The teflon capacitors are amazing and the single triode approach was a nice match as well...just enough tube romance without sacrificing detail.
vhiner OP
544 posts
 
I've been considering the Aesthetix Calypso, but there have been a number posts about tube rush issues, months of tube rolling to find the right combo and relatively short tube life. But this might not reflect the majority experience.
vhiner OP
544 posts
 

The info on the Calypso if very helpful. Thanks.
If you don't mind me asking, how pricey are the NOS tubes and how challenging is moving the jumpers?
vhiner OP
544 posts
 
Phono stage is NOT a necessity. Thanks to everyone who's posted so far. All of the information is highly useful. This is why I love a'gon.
vhiner OP
544 posts
 
Any brand suggestions on the ECC83/12ax7? I'm new to all of this.
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