- @lals you have some very good recommendations to consider!
- 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!
- I believe you would enjoy C- J equipment!
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
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- 125 posts total
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. |
If you don’t want as much heat, the newer generation of Pass Labs A/B amps are biased to produce a bunch of class A before switching to A/B. My Wilson’s are the same efficiency as yours plus they also drop impedance pretty low like yours. My 260.8 monos just love the Wilson’s. I tell you true, I can’t get the amps into A/B if I’m in the same room. The needles don’t even move. Great soundstage, strong control of bass with good detail without the “etched” sound that makes me crazy. I’m running a tube preamp too, the combo works really well. |
- 125 posts total

