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 

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.  

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.  

None of the CODA amps I owned 16, 11, 8, CSiB get hot. Only sightly warm, nothing like a PASS.

@lals The Schiit Valhalla 3 is not balanced however, it is super cheap and has a trial period. The unit does not need any burn in. It may be worthwhile to hear what I mean by very detailed and holographic tube sound. The Allnic line is better, but the Valhala 3 gets you more than 80% there.

As I write this, I am listening to the Valhalla 3 via a Meitner MA3i DAC and a Schiit Aegir v1 amp on my headphones and it is terrific. It is almost as good as the $15k tube Allnic HPA 15000 OTL/OCL that does the same thing and is sitting next to the Valhalla 3 setup. 

I think your "wish list" is spot on. Any of those pre amps are supposed to be very good. I can vouch for the Coda s5.5-it is really good. I've had one a couple years now. Dead silence backgrounds and a beautiful top end.

I use a Vinnie Rossi L2 SE preamp with 300 Bs in an OTL/OCL design driving Pass Labs XA 60.8 monoblocks. I agree with @yyzsantabarbara  that the sound is detailed and holographic. 
 

One occasionally sees these on sale for roughly $8000 for the preamp and $8000 for the pair of amps. Money well spent. I've also read very nice things about both the Backert preamps and anything Allnic. 

Thank you milpai, will check your systems page. I used to own Harbeth long back. I assume  ProAcs are also similar sounding.