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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
bolong
962 posts
 

Grrek Audio Geek on the Aric 2A3

quincy
474 posts
 
  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!
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,994 posts
 

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. 

twowheels53
10 posts
 

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.

degx1000
17 posts
 

I use a Vacuum Tube Audio SP 14 into a Mac 462 into VSA VR4 jr’s. The 462 has separate grounds for each impedance, so I can run the mid/treble on 8 ohm taps and 4 ohms on the bass unit. Like biamping with one amp. Power is not an issue.

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