plz suggest a tube preamp to match Parasound A21 amp
Hi, I'd like to add some tube attitude to the signal entering my Parasound A21 amp. Plz suggest decent tube preamp under $2,500...New or used, but no 20-30 years old, vintage stuff plz. Fully balanced design is preferred. Combined XLR / RCA inputs/outputs are necessary. Recently tried Schiit Freya Plus, but didn't like it due to weird volume control function and delayed start. Tnx.
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How did the Freya +/A21 combo sound? As for tube pre, the deHavilland Ultraverve is fantastic. http://http//www.dehavillandhifi.com/UltraVerve-Preamplifier.htm Cheers, Scott |
In search of tubey goodness? Cut out the middle man, get right to it https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/blackhawk-mk3/ |
You might be able to find one of our used MP-3s in that price range; it would do the job. How its different from most high end audio balanced preamps is it has a direct-coupled output, and supports the balanced line standard, otherwise known as AES48, which most tube preamps don't (and a lot of solid state preamps for that matter). AES48 reduces the liklihood of ground loops and also the artifact of the interconnect cable itself (if you've heard the difference between two interconnect cables in audition then you know what I'm talking about). Most preamps don't support the standard since an output transformer is usually needed (the Backert Labs Rhumba has an output transformer for balanced operation, so should be a contender here). We patented a means of direct-coupling a balanced output. Getting rid of the coupling cap at the output means greater transparency and bandwidth. |
05-09-2020 8:58pm Don’t know about the AR Ref 2 with Pass amps, but I’m pairing the AR Ref 3 and AR Ref 5SE with Parasound Halo A21 and JC2 monoblocks with incredible results - hard to believe. Just incredible clarity, detail, resolution, imaging and soundstage with superb tone, tenor, texture and bass control - a very holographic, live sound. |
