2. amps-preamps
  3. 1447924039

Need Tube Preamp Warmth

I’m looking for recommendations for a tube preamp with a warm presentation, good soundstaging and imaging, and low-end extension.
It will replace my Rogue Perseus Magnum, which is a detailed, neutral sounding preamp with a great amount of extension in the highs. Even using Mullard Longplates, I’m not getting the sound I want.

The preamp is paired with a Sunfire 300 which has an input impedance of 42 kOhms and input sensitivity of 1.64V. (Single-ended).

The rest of my system is comprised of:
ARC CD3 mk II
Linn Axis TT
Gallo CL-3 speakers
Purist Audio Aqueous speaker cables
Cardas Parsec ICs
Audience PowerChords

The ideal preamp will reproduce classical music in an organic and natural way. (Not looking for vintage).
My budget is $2000 to $2500 used. Any help is much appreciated.
128x128lowrider57

Showing 4 responses by zd542

zd542
5,339 posts
 
This isn't exactly what you are asking for, but I'll mention it anyway. I have a CJ Premier 18. Goes for about 2k used.

"The ideal preamp will reproduce classical music in an organic and natural way. (Not looking for vintage).
My budget is $2000 to $2500 used."

That's exactly how I would describe how it sounds. But if you must have tubes, I really like the VTL 2.5 and CJ's tube preamps. You can't go wrong with either, but with CJ, the older units like the PV 10 and 12, may be too warm for you.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I forgot to mention one preamp. The Atma-Sphere UV-1. I'm pretty sure you can get one without going over budget.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Reviews state that it does not have classic tube warmth, but makes each recording sound very natural and lifelike.

I also like what I'm reading about the VTL TL-5.5 Preamp. A dual mono design, it's described as as "three dimensional, with precise instrumental images, a top-end which was neither etched or analytical."

To me, it looks like you're placing way too much trust in reviews. You take on a lot of risk when you do it this way.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Just to be clear, I was talking about the Atma-Sphere UV-1 in my post. I'd really like to hear one of those myself. Ralph, do you have any dealers in the NYC area? I don't recall ever seeing any of your products. Maybe in Singer a long time ago, but I'm not sure.
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