1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 197634-103309

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
lals OP
55 posts
 

 

@ twowheels53

With my limited experience  and reading I was under the impression that preamp determine the sound quality than power amp. I will dig deep in to this.

Thank you.

lals OP
55 posts
 

 

@degx1000 

Thanks for sharing your experience. 

lals OP
55 posts
 

@dishman442 

Thank you very much sharing your experience, I will look in to those Pass labs A/B amps. May I know which tube preamp you are pairing with A/B amps from Pass?

nhouseconsulting's avatar
nhouseconsulting
18 posts
 

I totally agree with @quincy that Conrad Johnson tube is the way to go.  The components he listed are nice and you can take your budget and find a different combo of CJ to fit looking at new and used.  I personally prefer the older CJ tube

sound and have a Bill Thalmann upgraded Premier 3 on one setup and the integrated CAV 50 as heart of another setup. 

dishman442's avatar
dishman442
81 posts
 

I’m running an Odyssey Candela tube preamp.built in Indiana US. I like it, but it can be a challenge to get it built promptly. Very inexpensive considering the sound quality though. DM me if interested in more detail.

More to discover