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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
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.

lals OP
55 posts
 

@nhouseconsulting 

Sure will look in to it. I was trying to avoid tube in power amps due to maintenance and other issues with tubes. If it is not an issue with Revel F328Be then I can consider CJ products.

lals OP
55 posts
 

@dishman442 

Will do. Thank you for letting me know.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,700 posts
 

for preamp, I want full featured Tubes, and chose a Vintage McIntosh unit, MX110Z, had Audio Classics overhaul it for me, this is why I got one. If it dies, I get another, no fooling around.

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/-/media/Files/mcintoshlabs/DocumentMaster/us/Legacy/MX110-Z-OWNERS.pdf?rev=b433fd27b208498e844a7116b5c77ad4&revision=b433fd27-b208-498e-844a-7116b5c77ad4

I use a Chase Remote Line Controller to get remote volume, balance, and mute

https://www.ebay.com/itm/397503797979?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=a4fcbda8-10db-11f1-880b-396639653332

You must have the remote, there are no controls on the unit. It is impossible for me and/or any of my friends to detect if it is IN or OUT via the tape monitor loop, it simply does it's job. Every once in a while, I shake my head, take it out, put it back in, it ain't there, but it is.

 

 

 

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