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

Here’s a Plinius SA103 ($4200 - $5k depending on which one you pick, and you only need one) that I’ll recommend because it’s Class A but also has a low bias switch for low heat/power consumption for less critical listening or if you want to leave the amp on.  Pairing this with the Raven or Aric would make for some sublime sound I’d think and be within your budget.  Just one idea FWIW, and best of luck. 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650285723-plinius-sa-103-class-a-stereo-amplifiers-pair-silver-fully-restored-2023-pair-730-wpc-class-a/

Incidentally, Coda could be good but not pure Class A, and I’d be very concerned with the S5.5 with your speaker’s dip below 4 Ohms with difficult phase angles and would definitely side with the No. 8 if you go that route.  Again FWIW. 

  1. @lals   you have some very good recommendations to consider!  
  2. I recommend a Conrad Johnson Premier 17ls pre and a C-J LP66S amp.  Both are tube and work very well with low impedance high efficiency speakers.  Keep an eye open in this site for unit's on sale!
  3. I believe you would enjoy C- J equipment!

This preamp is a CLASSIC and a screaming bargain. Read up about it -- it’s legendary. 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650263291-dehavilland-ultraverve-iii/

One key thing about it is that the 6SN7 tube is at the heart of it. DeHavilland’s Chaffee built the design around this octal dual-triode rather than the more common 12AX7 family, and the 6SN7 has a character that is uniquely satisfying — tonal density, spatial generosity, and a midrange presence that isn’t clinical nor artificially warm. 

The unit’s circuit topology is deliberately simple and direct — minimal gain stages, no unnecessary buffering — which tends to preserve the integrity of the signal and keep the noise floor low. 

Respectfully, may I suggest that you have it backwards. After going from all solid-state to all tube components, I would recommend a solid-state preamp and a tube amplifier (mono-blocs preferred, such as Quicksilver Mid Mono or above). The driver and power tubes in the amplifier are going to control the sound so get a good quality amp and buy some decent tubes.