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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
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,403 posts
 

OP,

You will get more musical sound with an Audio Research preamp... holographic without being shiny like it is with the Luxman. The character from the X  and XA amps is different. As an aside, turning the nob is not a good indicator of power requirements... very long story. Anyway. Slam is a somewhat artificial characteristic created by a bit lean and powerful solid state amps... it doesn't happen in the real world. XA is a more natural and musical and as such presents music this way. I would drop in your speakers and expected preamp in to and AI and ask for sonic characteristics you can expect from different X an XA amps. It is usually pretty good. 

You will get what you want from either of these choices. Luxman attains its imaging from emphasis on treble making the somewhat shiny and unnatural sounding. This equipment is much higher caliber and more natural and musical sounding. I'd go XA... although I went one step further with an Audio Research Ref 160 tube amp. Way better, more natural an musical than any of the Pass amps. 

lals OP
55 posts
 

Thank you ghdprentice for your suggestions.

I do agree that turning knob may not be a good indicator as most amps it may not be linear. I am also  inclined to Class A amps but dont want too much heat.

Which Audio Research preamp you are recommending?  Audio research reference preamps seems to be super expensive.

tcutter's avatar
tcutter
386 posts
 

There is a set of XA 60.8s on US Audiomart for $7900.

 https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650288344-pass-labs-xa608-amplifiers-flawless/

They do run warm/hot, the two of them putting out at least the equivalent of a 750 watt space heater. Your electric bill will also go up, but hey, you only live once! 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,403 posts
 

OP,

The best Audio Research Preamp you can afford... it is the heart and should have your system. Ideally a new Reference, or used Reference back to maybe Ref4... if that is too much then LS28se... or 27... or 26... going back as far as required to make it affordable to you. 

soix
11,230 posts
 

What’s your budget, and are you looking for new or used?  Also, you’re probably aware Spatial and Backert offer returns where Aric does not. 

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