2. amps-preamps
  3. 132423-93722

Maybe tube preamp

My current setup is Tidal; ifi  nano DSD; Parasound HCA 2200 (recent purchase) ; Magnepan 1.7i  

This arrangement sounds pretty good at low volume with most material.  However I think it would benefit from a preamp.  The ifi's output maxes out at 1.3 volts.  I was thinking the warmth of a tube preamp would be a good match for this setup.  Years ago I had a New York Audio Labs setup. I liked it but it save for the noise floor. My HCA 2200 is blissfully silent. 

My budget is about $1,000

Advice?

128x128markainsworth
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
Manley Labs Jumbo Shrimp.... warm and punchy with great low end and sweetly articulate with amazing mid range that is very liquid indeed, big sound stage and terrific detail with great rise and decay, beautiful tone and very palpable presentation. With near 12db of gain and a very low output impedance this will drive any amp. This is a $3800 pre amp and you can find them for around $2000 -$2500 in great condition with remote radio controlled volume. Upscale Audio sells these as well as other retailers. Uses 6 tubes total. TUBES RULE!

http://www.manley.com/products/view/mspr

Matt M
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
If you havn't got a tube Pre-Amp you are missing out badly.

A Vincent SA-T8 if you are lucky enough to find one.
mesch
3,391 posts
 
I enjoy my all tube Jolida Fusion pre coupled to a BEL 1001 MK5. The Fusion sells for $1350 new, rarely come up used.
mesch
3,391 posts
 
Might also check out Quicksilver, Micro Zotl, and Vincent (as stated above).
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