Help me find a pre-amp

rkfaberdds,

So far have auditioned: Rogue RP9, Audio Research Ref 5SE, and BAT VK-80. Tomorrow I am going to audition the Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4 and the Rhumba Extreme 1.4. Auditioning has been more difficult than I thought, because of differing amps and speakers at stores. The valuable piece is that each dealer has the Rogue RP9, so I can compare each preamp to that model to get a baseline.

I also had 2 6SN7 based preamps, the Aric Audio Motherlodes, and the Don Sachs Revelation; I have since dropped the Sachs for a variety of reasons, in favor of the Aric Audio....and it will definitely be a finalist for me. Aric has been a dream to deal with, honest in his opinions, and extremely responsive. I want fully balanced design, so the Motherlode XL is what I am considering.

I mean how is the Aesthetix, Calypso not in your sights? They're still a few bucks under $5K new aren't they? I have a Calypso Signature you & might find pre-owned for $5K-ish. Should definately be on your list - up your tube game with some great NOS Telefunken/Siemans/Amperex and you're in business

bgross,

I am sure that the Aesthetix is a great preamp, but I couldn't consider everything....I'm guessing there are a dozens of really good preamps, something for everyone.

I’d be very interested in how the high value tube preamps mentioned above which are also on my short list compare with something like the Holo Serene KTE at $3100. The assumption is that the Serene would lack tube magic.  I get that but based on some of the very positive reviews that are out there it may still be worth considering.  It seems only a very few have been able to do this comparison.

I found myself in a very similar predicament... Huge fan of both Rush and Van Halen, as well. An even bigger fan of Stuart Jones' T-7s. But it seemed with my current set up, which is powered by a PrimaLuna integrated, liked to reproduce more intimate music such as jazz combos, classical quintets, etc. with very satisfying detail. Every so often, though, I need to rock! And the PL wasn't getting me there... low dynamics on great songs such as 'Barchetta' won't do. John, at The Audio Connection in Seattle, recommended a modded Cary SLI-80 integrated would give me the dynamics, smoothness, AND detail I was looking for - he sent me home with a loaner(as I live locally). I didn't want to give it back! It'll be the next upgrade to my system and I'm in good hands as John has never steered my wrong. Fwiw, I got to meet Stuart, who sadly passed away last year, and at the time he recommended a Cary tubed pre-amp to go with the Rogue Dragon as his recommended components for my eclectic tastes. Good luck on your search and call the Audio Connection, John's a great fountain of knowledge.