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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
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.

dishman442's avatar
dishman442
81 posts
 

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. 

lals OP
55 posts
 

 

@ tcutter

The price looks  good. Back as of now is okay but space is the issue. I have some space limitations, the issue is I use the same place for HT and stereo, if I had space I could have gone for XA60.8.

lals OP
55 posts
 

 

@ soix

I have heard good things about Plinius amps. It looks very interesting, let me do some more reading about it. 

Coda seems to be high current amp but S5.5 is less powerful compared to No 8 V1 model. My Luxman is only 30W Class A hence I was assuming S5.5 will be good. I will dig more deep in to this. I was little concerned about S5.5.

Thanks once again.

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