1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 197055-171991

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
 

Hi

I’m not using vinyl. Im 99% streaming Tidal and Qobuz. All cleaned via sfp fiber and ddc with Denafrips Terminator at the end 

caweran
16 posts
 

For Jazz or acoustic music, Conrad Johnson pre-amp would do magic. 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,110 posts
 

If budget allows this could also be a solution. 

Buy Me

nubiann
100 posts
 

EAR Yoshino 868PL but if your bdget can push out further the 912 Two Tube pre-amps that will go toe to toe with anything at any price and phono stages that will best most standalones.

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
362 posts
 

It’s important with tube pre amps to correctly match the input and output impedances as well as the amplifier input sensitivity or the sound can be mushy and you will be reaching maximum volume at very low attenuator levels.  Tube pre amps often have high output voltage like 20 volts and solid state amps can have input sensitivity of 1 volt or less for maximum output.  That’s a match made in hell.

Do your homework.

More to discover