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VTL TL7.5 series lll VS VAC Master Line Stage VS AR Ref 6 VS Nagra Classic Preamp

I'm putting up a new thread about some of the best tube preamps out there.
My future system will consist to begin with of a stereo amp or monoblocks, a preamp, a DAC and a separate streamer, later on will come phono stage + turntable.
This system will be driving a pair of Thiel CS 3.7s and a pair of CS 7.2s.
If i don't go the hybrids route with either Ypsilon or Aesthetix i will probably choose d'Agostino amps.
Therefore since i'm using Thiel speakers i would like to have some tubes somewhere in the chain.
With ss amp i would use a tube preamp.
Which of these preamps do you thing will give best results with very good ss amps like the D'agostinos ?
You can suggest other tube preamps if you have other ideas in the same league as these.
Thanks.


128x128thieliste
thieliste's avatar
thieliste OP
814 posts
 
Do you guys think the VTL TL7.5 be a good match with d'Agostino amps and Thiel speakers ?
Did any of you compare VAC and VTL preamps ?
4425
861 posts
 
At the budget you have you might take a look at a used Dartzeel pre. Check out M Fremers ARC Ref 6 review in Stereophile. He compares it to the Dart pre.. You won't need tubes with the Dart in the system. FWIW

4425
861 posts
 
If you have any interest in the Dartzeel I'd contact Jonathan Tinn at Blue Light Audio about availability of used units. He's the U.S. distributor and a super guy. I wish this preamp was in my budget. 

jwm
918 posts
 
I would take the VAC preamp over the VTL preamp any day.
rhljazz
1,249 posts
 

Build quality of the VAC is superior to the others in terms of materials used and point to point wiring.  You also have inputs and outputs that can be configured either balanced or single ended.

I'm a VAC preamp owner for thirteen years and I have no thoughts of replacing it.

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