2. amps-preamps
  3. 1073486163

Tube Preamps with Bass?

I love what a tube preamp does for the mids and soundstage in my system but I hear the loss of bass slam, weight and dynamics. I was looking at the Blue Circle G-3, Lamm LL2, CJ LS-17, First Sound Presence Deluxe, Joule Elextra.

Any opinions on these preamps or any others in the $5K or so price range mated to the Pass X-250 power amp and producing the added bass slam, weight and dynamics?

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz
budrew
467 posts
 
Mcintosh C2200
listener57
730 posts
 
Aronov Audio LS-9000 tube preamp together with top of the line Mapleshade power cord (and, presumably any other great power cord) has tremendous bass slam, along with natural, musical sound throughout the entire audible range. See review in soundstage.com for introduction to Aronov line.
If you already have your ideal amp, then EVS Ultimate Attenuators (from tweakaudio.com) which attach directly into RCA input jacks of amp eliminate one interconnect, and allow all that your amp is capable of in bass slam, weight, and dynamics. Used in single source system, such as one where you listen only to CD's. Retail is $350, although I got mine for less as a used item on Audiogon.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Don't know what your budget is, but try BWS Consulting at BWS-Tube.com
brunogolf
35 posts
 
I have owned my CAT Ultimate pre-amp now for over a year, and feel that it has as much or more bass slam and impact than any of the SS preamps that i have owned in the past, along with the ability to create a very satisfying musical presentation as well...very robust build quality and also very reliable as well.
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Bigkidz, I'd like to keep an open mind here, but aside from gain, I just don't see how any pre-amp worth it's weight is going to provide better bass or better anything else for that matter.

As far as I can tell, the best a good or better pre-amp can do is get out of the way (or simply interfere with the signal less than it's competition) much like cabling. (and I'm not speaking of passive pre's)

For the characteristics you seek, I can't help but believe that 90% or more will be found, not in the pre-amplifier, but in the amplifier. And then of course a pair of speakers than can reproduce what the amp is delivering to them.

Yes, I am aware of the synergy between each and every component within an entire system. But the amp produces far more sonic signature (good or bad) than any other component or combination thereof.

I'm not saying this is the way it should be. But based on my limited experience, it appears that this is the way things are.

-IMO (of course)
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