Balanced/Differential tube preamplifier recommendation?


First post here. Hello

 

I have a Wyred4Sound ST-500mkII class D power amplifier. I would like a balanced/differential tube preamplifier to go with it. Ideally I would spend less than $2000 on this preamp. A remote for power and volume control is a must for me. 

I would like something that is true balanced, as my source is also true balanced

I have seen a few options, but most seem to be out of my price range, and to be an uneven match for a fairly affordable power amp like I have. Any suggestions? Thank you 🙂

thought9

I have the Audio GD HE-1 SE 10 tube preamp....It's a beautiful sounding pre for the $$$...can't go wrong. I paired it w/ the Peachtree GaN 400 and it's  magic... Good Luck to you.....

atmasphere really now? Is the IR sensor built into the preamp, and all that needs to be done is for a remote to be bought separately? Or do I need to buy a unit that is custom ordered with a remote receiver?

@thought9 If its got a remote installed its all set to go- the handheld unit should be with it. Its an option- some people prefer the stepped volume control instead, which can't be motorized.

@atmasphere alright, that makes sense. Why can't the existing attenuator be motorized? It is a resistor ladder? I know of plenty of preamps that can be controlled with a remote that use resistor ladders

Why can't the existing attenuator be motorized?

@thought9 The control has to have 4 decks because its controlling both the inverted and non-inverted phases of the signal. The stepped control has to not exceed a certain size. The switch we use can't handle the torque a motor will put on it due to the lack of a bushing in the design.

bushing in the design. @atmasphere ok, I understand. In the units with a motorized attenuator, do you just use a regular potentiometer?