2. amps-preamps
  3. 1119750948

Tube preamp with great pace?Cary, Supratek, etc.?

I am thinking seriously of moving to a tube preamp with the hope of breathing more life into my system. But I love the rhythmic core of music - call it PRAT, call it whatever - it is what grabs me, involves me, and keeps me up way, way too late listing to old LPs. I am afraid that without good, acurate pace, I don't care how "airy," "organic" or "blooming" the sound is, it just isn't musical to me. But if it can be combined with great pace, the tube sound is exactly what I am looking to add to my system.

So far, I've only been able to borrow a Rogue Magnum 88 to try in my system, and it was just too slow. I am considering a Cary SLP 98P, a Supratek Chenin, or perhaps a Herron VTSP1A/166. If anyone has heard these or any other tube preamp with good pace, please comment. Comparisons between them would be particularly welcome. My price range right now is 2K to 3K used, but if you know of something that is wonderful in this regard that costs more, I still want to hear about it.

There are few tube options available for me to audition in my area, and so generous Audiogoners, your input is greatly appreciated.

P.S. If you live in south-eastern Michigan and have a tube amp you are willing to let me hear, I offer in exchange lunch at the Ann Arbor restaurant of your choice.
newmanoc

Showing 2 responses by czbbcl

czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
You need to have conrad johnson on your short list as they have a reputation of producing some of the finest tube pre-amps in the industry. At your price point the only two available are a premier 17lsI or a premier 14; both have a remote if that matters. If you can find a premier 16lsII or 17lsII used either would be the better choice with my preference being the 16lsII but either will cost you 4K+.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
If you know exactly what you are looking for sonic wise then you absolutely need to audition the equipment first or buy used and resell if it is not what you are looking for. People such as myself will give you opinions on what they like or hear but only you can make the decision on what you like or don't like. And for that my friend you need to audition in your system.

Chuck
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