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Suggestions for a tube pre and power amp

Dear Audio Friends,

I am writing to seek your experienced suggestions regarding an upgrade to my current stereo setup. My current system consists of Revel F328Be speakers powered by a Luxman 590Mk2 Class A integrated amp. My frontend includes a Sonic Transporter (Roon core) powered by a Farad LPS, a Holo Red streamer, and a Holo May KTE DAC.

I am considering transitioning to a tube preamplifier and a solid-state power amplifier combination. While my speakers have a 91dB sensitivity, the impedance dips to 3 ohms between 100Hz and 200Hz.

My current shortlists are as follows:

- Power Amps: Coda S5.5 Class A or Coda No. 8 V1.

- Tube Preamps: Backert Labs Rhumba, Spatial Audio Raven, or Motherlode XL.

 

I am looking for a 3D holographic, warm sound with a high level of clarity and detail. While I am aware of the general rules regarding impedance matching, I would value your insights on how these specific components might pair together. I am also very open to any other combinations you might recommend.

 

Thank you for your help.

Rlal

lals
lals OP
55 posts
 

Thank you yyzsantabarbara for your detailed response. Allnic top of line preamp is out of my budget but other model you suggested is very interesting. Thanks for the details about OTL/OCL, Let me do more reading about the Schiit preamp model.

Thank you.

lals OP
55 posts
 

Thank you milpai for sharing your experience with Class A amps.

Luxmsn 590 Mk2 is Class A till 30W and I have also used Sugden integrated amps before, hence I have some idea. Which Accuphase model you are using?

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,662 posts
 

I got the Accuphase A-48S I this last December and it more than comfortably drives my ProAc D48R loudspeakers. Check my system page, for more details.

sls883
1,053 posts
 

@lals I have not heard the S5.5.  When I was choosing an amp, I spoke to Doug Dale with Coda and asked him which amp I should buy.  He recommended the No 8 V1 for my Von Schweikert speakers.

I can't comment on balanced versus unbalanced.  Balanced might be the best choice for your dac.  Idk. 

jackd
1,123 posts
 

@lals 

All  three of the preamps you have listed are excellant choices plus you can add the balanced version of Aric's new Jackpot preamp.  I own the Rhumba 1.4 and have a Motherlode XL on order with a 16-18 week build time.  So in terms of the preamps it depends on how patient you are.  With the Motherlode and likely the Jackpot you are looking at a similar build time.  With the Raven unless they have caught up with back orders you may also have a wait time so call them.  The Rhumba you can likely get immediate delivery of either from them directly or one of their dealers.  The Rhumba 1.4 is a first rate preamp but my curiosity got the best of me hence the Motherlode XL order. As to the Coda amps, I have no experience with them but like sls883 I would call Doug and ask his opinion taking into consideration the climate you live in as one of them will generate a good deal more heat than the other one.  

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