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Most Musical 6NS7 tube for a Preamp?

A request for recommendations by those with experience with different 6SN7 tubes.

My system so far is a Pass Labs XA25 SS Amp, and a circa 1988 Tannoy FSMs.
The speakers operate at 4 ohms with a 94 sensitivity.

The room size is medium. Acoustically well treated.

I listen at lower volumes 60-75db. Vocals mostly.

I am looking for the most musical preamp, with a remote.

Budget is $3k. Used preferred. Better value.

Not considering anything from Schiit Audio.

Considering- Supratek Chardonnay.

Any other suggestions?

Tube Ideas?

Thank you!
chorus
laaudionut
320 posts
 
I second the suggestion of reaching out to Aric of Aric Audio! I have the original Motherlode mated with a pair of XA60.8's and it is total audio nirvana. Far outperforms my old Pass XP20, Mac 2300, or Arc Reference 5.

chorus OP
976 posts
 
Are there any others with experience regarding the Dodd Audio Battery preamp? 
Battery power intrigues me. However I need more information
from those who have used this preamp. 

Emil-Thanks for the ideas. I am reading all the reviews now.
I think I am leaning toward the deHavilland product as a better
way to reach the sound I seek. 

Any Audio Note users ?
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,714 posts
 
I had an Ultraverve and it was a nice preamp. But ultimately it didn't have the resolution I wanted. It was a little too "tubey". I will soon be taking delivery of a Don Sachs Model 2 with all the upgrades. I have been living with TVCs and LDRs for several years now so I wanted to try another active line stage. Figured that Don's is as good as most.

Oz


sandthemall
544 posts
 
I think you will love the Don Sachs model 2. I have one with the last all-wood case because I didn’t want balanced inputs/outputs...but did want all the new upgrades/6BY5GA full wave rectifier mod. It is not ‘tubey’...and almost solid state like in its resolution but very musical. 

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
I love my Audio Note linestage. It’s a M2 Special, which I’m told was a custom order from the factory.
A used M2 would cost $3000 or less. Audio Note products are built to last a lifetime with regular maintenance and upgrades. Mine is 15 years old and sounds wonderful. It’s dynamic with a wide, deep soundstage, and presents a transparent sense of realism. Not tubey, not clinical.
6SN7GT gain stage with tube rectification and regulation.

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