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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
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nubiann
98 posts
 

Definitely this https://www.earyoshino.com/912/ 

Review https://www.stereophile.com/content/ear-912-preamplifier

mm1tt77
256 posts
 

Zesto is another boutique Preamp and Amp manufacture that made its mark with Preamp’s, worth a look, had one in my system paired with a Krell SS amp.  Linear Tube Audio with their ZOTL design, I have their Aero DAC and the speed, how quiet the tube stage of the DAC is amazing.  I haven’t listened to their Pre’s but based on the DAC, would highly recommend them in general.  PS Audio’s BHK Hybrid is an older design but a great Pre.  If the ultimate Pre you have in mind is ARC though, I’d shoot for the stairs, save, watch, wait.  That but will never leave you wondering “what if” and their Pre’s are both iconic and regularly identified to be “The Standard” for Tube pre’s.

norcalal
21 posts
 

At the price points mentioned there are plenty of choices that boil down to a matter of taste.  I had to smile when the Valhalla 3 was mentioned because I  use my old Valhalla 2 as a preamp on my desktop system.  It is an SET design and paired with a Schiit Galljahorn amp playing small Klipsch speakers.  I put the system together with spare parts just for a lark and was shocked to hear how good it sounded.  SET + horns.  How bad could it be?  That experience led me to reconfigure my big system around an Audio Note SET amp (Vindicator) using a pair of 2A3 power tubes and Klipsch Forte IV speakers.  My preamp is a Rogue RH-5 drive by 2 12AU7 tubes.   Just what I was looking for.  Not for you, perhaps, but experimenting with "lesser" gear in nearfield listening can be revelatory, if only to reveal your own taste and preferences.

vthokie83
1,224 posts
 

Mike4579

Having tested over a dozen preamps, I can certainly agree with the with a few of the recommendations. Here are mine:

Option 1A - Aric Audio Motherlode XL - Best preamp I've ever heard, period

Option 1B - Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp (Spatial Audio). In my mind the second best preamp I've ever heard, though I can see why so many people can love it

For disclosure I own the Aric Audio Motherlode XL, as well as several other pieces of Aric's gear

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