Thinking about moving to a tube pre - suggestions.


Hello all,
I currently have a classe ssp-25 preamp, connected to a Hafler 9500 driving B&W DM640s. Sources Oppo 981, and Technics 1200SL TT (Ortofon 2M red) via a Bellari vp-129.

In your 1st hand opinion, would a tube pre w built in phono stage improve the sound from the Bellari / Classe ssp-25?

I'm considering the following..
Mapletree Ultra 4A SE
Quicksilver Full Function Pre

Any other options at similar price ranges are appreciated.

Also I read that tubes should be changed every year or so, because the sound quality decays slowly.

Thanks,
alex333

Showing 3 responses by thorman

Alex333 : The SP9 in my opinion would be a "Bad" mistake..The SP 9 in my opinion are threadbare and very lean sounding...This would not be the direction you asked about...An Audio Rsearch SP 6,8,10 or 11 is a whole different story...
I would actually ( don't know your price range ) jump on the Audio Research SP 11 full function preamp( listed in this site ) .This piece is listed as just returned from A/Resarch for check up ..This would be just what the doctor ordered for you..Has a great phono stage to boot...........
Elevick: Your right about that..Great all around piece..I owned sp6,8,9,and SP11 for years .Any of the SP6,8,10 or 11 would be great............