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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
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,466 posts
 

@dhite71 

+1

joeycastillo
267 posts
 

Hey OP

add this to your list. The Linear tube audio Microzotl preamp with level 3 upgrade

I have the Level 2, and it is a match with my Pass Labs. 

MicroZOTL Preamplifier Level 3 by Linear Tube Audio 

Listen to this preamp. they have a 30-day in-home audition. 

its key difference is that it sounds dynamic and detailed BUT not Solid-state sounding. it has the analog warmth specially is you roll tubes. Now if your music tone and signature is more skewed into syrupy and lots of warmth, then this is NOT the choice. 

do yourself a favor by trying to do an in-home review

 

markmendenhall
246 posts
 

if you can live minus a remote, single ended, and have space for a couple of external power supplies you just can’t go wrong with one of Emmanuel Go’s First Sound preamps  

wyoboy
328 posts
 

Everyone is going to recommend their tube preamp so i'l do the same--make sure Aesthetix Calypso Signature is on your list

 

avanti1960
1,744 posts
 

@mike4597 

I had the RP-7 for a while and ultimately it just sounded too polished and lacked resolution and accuracy of tonality.  Nice and dynamically punchy but missing some clarity.  

I upgraded to the Cary Audio SLP-05 and man the sound is awesome.  Save some money for a NOS rectifier and 4 6SN7 tubes (so clear and smooth).  The sound is so spontaneous, fast, powerful, ultra low noise, smooth and tube like with golden euphonic tones and sweet treble.  

The R-Core transformer and two-chassis SET design make for dark quiet backgrounds. 

What amp will you be using? 

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