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Preamp Upgrade Time

While I am quite pleased with the sound quality of my system, I have contracted "upgraditis" again.  Over the past five years, I have upgraded my 1990s two-channel system, my new system can be seen in my profile.  My current preamplifier, a Rogue RP-7 version 1, provides very good sound, but I think there is still room for improvement in tonal qualities, imaging, and sound stage.  Sources being sources, I think it is time to look for an improvement in my preamplifier.  At present I am considering several different models: the Rogue RP-9 v2, the Backert Rhumba Extreme 1.4 or Rhythm 1.4, and Audio Research LS28SE.  The Audio Research would be a stretch and requiring saving for a while to get it, but I wonder if it would just be best to make the jump to that level and "be done with it."  About $13K would be the absolute maximum I could go, although I have read of the differences between it and the. Reference 6SE.  I want to stay with tubes, as I think the combination of a tube preamp and solid state power amp gives absolutely superb music reproduction.  While I may be able to listen to the Rogue and Backert models fairly locally, medical reasons prevent travel to audition the Audio Research model.  Finally, are there other tube preamplifiers in this price range that I should consider?

mike4597
patrickalston
175 posts
 

@willywonka yes, you’re correct.  That’s what I meant and I agree with you.  Personally, I’d skip the Vk-80 (even though it’s very good) and go for the earlier VK-53SE.   The VK-80 is the "entry-level model."  The VK-53SE is reference level.  If I didn’t find a used Rex for a killer deal, that’s what I would do.   

For the OP,  @mike4597, I believe the BATs deserve your very serious consideration.  The only other preamp that I would look at is be the ARC Ref 6SE which I think is bested by the VK-53SE--it’s a coin toss depending upon your preference---but a mint VK-53SE tops off at around $6K--they can be found for less (here’s one for $4k:  https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650257998-bat-vk-53se-with-remote/). 

A 6SE will empty your wallet by thousands more.  

The money you’d save is almost enough to buy these:  https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/bat-rex-monoblock-tube-power-amplifiers-black-pair/  (They’d be mine, but I I’m in the middle of a remodel)

mkdm11's avatar
mkdm11
15 posts
 

A number of good inputs. A few years back, I purchased a th e Rex II pre and seperate power supply from upscale Audio. The sound quality is excellent when paired with my Pass Las XA 60.8s. I recently relocated to a new home, with a dedicated "Audio Room" moving to 100% CH Precision component setup. I have been liquidating the pieces no longer in use and still have the REX II in excellent condition in their original boxes. If your interested, please reach out.

M

 

 

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
811 posts
 

Couple other thoughts:  

1) Conrad Johnson Et7-S2, brand new goes for $13.5k.  Would prob be a more lush, midrange-centric sound than BAT.

2) Leben RS-28CX, brand new for $8.5k.  This one includes a very nice phono section in that price.  Full disclosure, I own a Leben integrated, and a Leben phono pre, so am a big fan of the brand.

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
811 posts
 

One more: Air Tight ATC3, between $8k and $10k depending on options.  This is a wonderful brand, beautifully made.

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
811 posts
 

OMG!  At that budget, stretch it a little more, and get a Shindo Monbrison!  For $13.9k, you get a legendary piece, with an extraordinary phono stage.  

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