2. amps-preamps
  3. 1115935539

Tube Pre-amp recommendations for Maggie 3.6

Hey folks,

Ok, it's time to focus on the pre-amp. You gave me good advice on the amps, and I took your input into serious consideration during my buying process.

The system is:

Magnepan 3.6
VTL MB 450 monoblocks
Shanling CD T200A CD/SACD
VTL 2.5 pre
analog - TBD

By the way, everything was purchased used on Audiogon.

So, you can see I'm definitely liking the whole tube thing.

I'm thinking of up-leveling the pre-amp, which, by the way, is quite wonderful.

So, where do I go from the VTL 2.5? I want to stay with tubes.

My thoughts are:

VTL 5.5 -I've had excellent luck with VTL so far.
Viva Linea 300 -heard it, absolutely love it!
And of course..... Supratek..... which comes exclusively and maniacally recommended through the Audiogon Underground (1,814 responses to a single post can't all be wrong).

Is there any place in the Western US (preferrably the West Coast) that even carries Supratek (for audition/purchase), or is the only avenue to go directly through Mick the owner?

Your thoughts are welcome!

Thanks
angelsmtn

Showing 2 responses by angelsmtn

angelsmtn OP
12 posts
 
Hi,

I have one follow-up question to my original post. The VTL 5.5 is a dual mono design. I understand the theory and value of dual mono design in an amp; my previous amp was such. But does this design really offer appreciable benefit in a pre-amp? Does separating the signal paths really make that much difference? My thought is that more pre-amps would be made this way if it made a bigger difference. With pre-amps, I see more logic in separating out the power supply as many high-end units do.

Thoughts?
angelsmtn OP
12 posts
 
Hey Markone,

Thanks for the data point. Can you expand on what you mean by "tonally superior?"

Thank you
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