2. amps-preamps
  3. 1332419824

Tube Preamps?

For a few years, I have been "bottom feeding" with a NAD 1135 preamp. Even though it's old, it has served me well. Now, however, I am thinking seriously about going into the used tube preamp market.

I am looking for a tube preamplifier that would sound good with my current gear, which consists of: B&K 140 amp, Vandersteen 2C speakers, a Music Hall TT, a Denon CD player, and ~10,000 LPs. I have been considering an ARC SP-9, a big old Macintosh, etc.

Ideas?
licoricepizza2

Showing 2 responses by blk25

blk25
31 posts
 
Another one you may want to look at is a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1. It's not made any more, but if you find a good used one, I can't see you not being happy with it. I had one when it was still in production and was very happy with it. Sounded like a much more expensive unit.

Also, I just remembered that I had a b&k amp (don't remember the model) at the time and the results were very good.
blk25
31 posts
 
My opinion on Audio Research is similar to hifigeek1's comment. AR is all over the place with their preamps. Some of them sound great while others don't. They aren't consistent from model to model. I'm not saying to avoid them, but I would never consider buying one blind. Highly recommend you demo first.
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