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
@dseltz Thank you for the details about tube rolling and sharing your experience with Atmasphere Class D amps. I will keep an eye on 6SN7 Ken Rad charcoal tubes. I have heard AGD mono amps before and I didnt find major difference between Luxman 590 Mk2 and AGD at that time, I assume AGD uses similar technology. I have heard praises about Atmasphere Class D amps. |
@jackd Thanks for the details, I will look in to those for sure. I have read that 6SN7 tubes are one of the best sounding tubes for preamps. |
@swaudiofan Thank you. Looks like lot of tube amplifier manufacturers are switching to Class D.Does these Class D amps provide similar or better performance than tube amps? Really wondering what could be the reason, is it due to efficiency or maintenance effort. |
@agbrace When you write not classic tube sound what exactly you meant by that, is it in a good way? I am sure that I dont want noise for sure. So you are using single ended inputs between preamp and Coda NO 8. You never had a curiosity to try balanced connection of Coda? Based on common mode rejection theory balanced connections should be less noisy. I know balanced input impedance of Coda amps are much lover than single ended which need to be taken care while selecting preamps if planning to use xlr connection. |
@moto_man Thanks for your suggestions, I will keep an eye on ARC Ref6 pre. I also heard lot of praises for Allnic pre but as you said a remote is a must for me too. Their top of line preamps are super expensive. |
