I’d look at the Backert Rhumba, and they offer a trial period that is really nice to have. There’s an extremely easy workaround if a pre doesn’t have a HT bypass (I can give details if needed), and if you’re open to that, and I seriously would be for these two preamps, you should definitely look at the Spatial Audio Raven and Aric Audio Motherload XL preamps as they are serious end-game level preamps. Spatial offers a trial period and Aric does not. If I’m you I’m all over the Spatial Raven and call it a day — it’s that good — and I’d take any of these over the PrimaLuna. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
Looking for Tube Pre Amp Advice
Without getting too deep into every bit of my equipment I’ll ask for thoughts and advice regarding tube pre-amps
I currently have Parasound Halo A51 Amp. I’m using 4 channels(bi-wired) to power my PBN M1!5 speakers. I currently have a Parasound JC2 BP pre amp.
Denafrips Terminator DAC>Sonore Signature Rendue-SE>Morrow Series 6 cables (XLRs and speakers)
Id like to try a tube preamp and keep my current amp. I’m looking for a little more holographic sound stage. Everything currently sounds great just would like alittle more depth.
was looking at a PrimaLuna EVO 400 (dedicated pre version). It has a theater bi-pass
Im aware this is a tough question and matching solid state to tubes makes it even more complex… I did see great reviews on the Prima Luna and that’s about my price point for this
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I am most happy with my full featured vintage tube tuner/preamp McIntosh mx110z. It’s MM Phono stage sounds terrific. I use a SUT for my LOMC so I can continue to use it. quite a few are available now https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=McIntosh+mx110z I enjoyed it for a few years, then had Audio Classics overhaul it, they put all new gold plated RCA jack panels in it. Richard Modafferi said there is nothing he could do to improve the mx110z’s tuner https://www.audioclassics.com/mods this is why I got one https://positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm I use a Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller, to get remote volume/mute/balance No one can ever detect any degradation if it is in or out of my system. You can use it direct, or thru a tape loop, you must have the remote control, no controls exist on the unit. For very low level listening, the Chase Unit has automatic and progressively implemented bass boost (none at normal listening levels).
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I came to prefer the 6SN7 tube sound better than the others. My vote for that tube as the basis of the design. Also, I continue to enjoy switching from tube preamp to solid state, just so I can zero back in on my QS amps' character and the effects of tube changes. A tube preamp is luscious, but I like eliminating the variability of the preamp, sometimes, and know that I can pin changes in the tube amps. I also try swapping different solid state amps in and out, so the solid state preamp is helpful in that regard, too. |
In the price range of the Evo 400 my first choice would be the Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4 for $900 less than the Evo 400. It has HT bypass also. Take the time and call Andy at Backert Labs. Good guy to talk to and a straight shooter. The Linear Tube Audio unit gets great reviews is the same price but less XLR inputs, no XLR outputs and not HT bypass. Like hilde45 I also prefer preamps with 6SN7 tubes but those options are getting more limited with Supratek shutting down production for health reason. Leaves you this LTA, Aric and the Spatial Raven for now and none of them have HT bypass. |
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