CJ if you want single ended, AR if you want balanced
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
@kymanor1 I will keep this in mind. Thank you very much. |
@dseltz Thanks for the invite, I wish I was near to your place. I dont have any experience with tube gears but based on my reading 6SN7 tubes are best for preamps. I was not aware there are many manufacturers for the same tube. I will keep in mind about Ken Rad VT231.
Do you like Atmasphere Class D? Is this model better than typical Class D amps? Thank you.
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Lals When 'tube rolling' often it it a single tube type by many different manufacturers or even the same manufacturer. Ken Rad was a big company. The VT231 was a military designation of a 6SN7 and made by numerous tube makers. I think the one by Ken Rad, specifically the charcoal glass ones are the bomb. The Atmasphere Class D uses a GaN transistor which, I think, most folks think give the best sound for a Class D. The AS are mono amps, really reasonably priced and have a smooth tube like sound. There are other GaN amps, but I have limited experience with them. And none topped the AS, IMO. It is fully balanced as is the Motherload XL. Balanced connections took all the background noise from my system, dead quiet 😃
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- 125 posts total