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Potential Warmer Replacement for LS17SE

This pre is tubed with 6H30s. Pretty neutral sounding amp and tubes, and no tube rolling with these as there is nothing else. I do like the sound of the pre but am interested in a bit more warmth. Nothing as warm as say CJ, but just a little more sparkle and good feeling. Would also like to keep the wide open soundstage the AR has. Prefer to stay fairly recent, mid 2000s or later. Balanced cables option preferred but not required. And a remote. Pass amp, ATC speakers, Auralic/Aurender front end. Any suggestion for a pre used or new under ~ $3K that might fit the bill?
jaybe
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Hi Jay,

Not sure you what can fetch for your LS17SE.  But of you can get $2500 or more on a private sale, you are within strike distance of a pre-owned Ref 5SE, which I see selling for about $6500. If not the Ref5SE, then maybe an LS27 or LS28.  Both are very nice linestages and a move up from the LS17SE.

I used to own the Ref 5SE.  It is a very fine sounding beast.

Good luck and have fun exploring.      
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
354 posts
 
Consider a Supratek. On this site seek out the "Preamp Deal of the Century" thread. That thread is very easy to find of you click on the tab at the top for "popular all time"... 
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,610 posts
 
newer cj’s are not warm and syrupy anymore

very extended top and bottom with the indelible cj midrange glow
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
354 posts
 
One other thought occurs to me and that is to seek out a preamp based on the 6SN7 tube. The Supratek uses this tube, as does the Don Sachs. these are wonderful tubes and there are many, many options out there for tube rolling.
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