2. amps-preamps
  3. 129202-3022

Best Tubed Preamp For A Warm, Rich Sound, Yet Still Detailed and Agile

As the title says, I am looking for an exceptional preamp (obviously tubed) with warmth and liquidity, some of that golden glow, in the midrange and highs. I do not want slowness, or lack of detail, however. My budget is up to $6,000.00, for a used model. 

Based on my research, many of those that might make the list are very rare to find, and other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 


nightfall
wellington123
2 posts
 
Wall Audio Opus 88, I'm running it with a Pass Lab Volksamp 30 watts... I love the combo because they play off each other's strength nicely
bmontani
192 posts
 
Ck out the Cary Slp 05 with some vintage NOS tubes. Sylvania 6sn7 W circa early 1940s ot if you can find them, Tung Sol Black Plates. Very natural sound!  Quiet, quick, very musical.
ott
37 posts
 
You may look down your nose, but I got rid of an Ayon pre and kept an Audible Illusions Modulus 3a. It's very liquid, transparent, detailed etc. and you can get one for $2K or less. It's driving an MC275 VI (two mono), Maggie 1.7s and a Hsu uls15 mk II and I'm often startled by the presence, detail and timbre of jazz music, especially vocals. 
firedrums
83 posts
 

Absolutely Love my Cary SLP-05

Matched with an Esoteric A-03 Amp.

Some NOS Sylvania's 6sn7's 

Also lots of tweaks to fine tune to your taste.

tunes409's avatar
tunes409
19 posts
 
After 45 years in the hobby, without a shadow of a doubt, The Convergent Audio Technology Sl1 series of preamps are the most musical accurate sonically correct products for an all-in-one (phono and linestage) money can buy!!!!
More to discover