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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 

bobbyloans
bobbyloans OP
101 posts
 

Wow gentlemen's, you have all given me a lot to sift through. All wonderful advice and I will start my research looking to see what options you’ve all suggested pairs the best with my Parasound SS Amp. 
I think I’ve come to realize that this pre amp selection is an important one to say the least.  I will report back once I’ve made a choice, purchase, and opportunity to give proper feedback!!

Bobby 

soix
11,257 posts
 

Your amp I believe is fully balanced and believe it may sound best that way, which is why I didn’t mention the LTA MicroZOTL, so you may want to consider a fully-balanced preamp in your search criteria.  FWIW, and happy hunting!

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,542 posts
 

There are a lot of great suggestions here. I will definitely agree with the Aric Audio Motherlode II. The XL is the balanced version. IMHO, this is my endgame preamp. Aric builds some wonderful pieces. 

tmortsd's avatar
tmortsd
72 posts
 

Bobby: I have the PrimaLuna Evo 400, I wanted it for the balanced connections option.  I’ve used it with a few different amps, but currently use it with an Aesthetix Atlas hybrid amp.  In a word….BLISS!  You can pick these up on the used market for roughly $4k, it’s a beautiful unit, incredibly well built, very heavy and well deserving of the accolades in my opinion.  Don’t let folks dissuade you that it’s Chinese, only the labor to assemble is Chinese as all the parts are first rate materials and the lower cost labor keeps the price down.  My speakers are the Vandersteens Treo CT’s and I’ve had numerous folks from our audiophile club by and rave that it’s one of the best they’ve heard.  Give that PL Evo 400 a shot, I think you’ll love it!

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 

my 2 cents

6sn7/6sl7 based units can sound very nice but they can also be highly problematic with respect to microphony... my don sachs pre was sold off due to this issue, as nice as it sounded on its good days

there are many lovely tube line stages out there, with respect to sonic beauty and holography i can personally recommend the upper model c-j’s and audio research ones - my suggestion is to buy the best one(s) you can afford you won't be sorry

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