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
lals I own both the CODA S5.5 and Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, and can confirm they are a brilliant match. I have no problem running several different speakers: Clayton Shaw Caladans, Buchardt Audio S400 MkIIs, 1990s Infinity Kappa 7s, Thiel CS1.2 & CS 2.3, and any number of speakers I've borrowed. The Infinity and Thiel speakers are not easy to drive either. The CODA S5.5 may not be the most powerful option, but the new type transistors it uses are beautiful. It delivers 50wpc pure class A, more in A/B, and peak power delivery is 100amps. Give a call to Doug Dale at CODA and to Aric Kimball at Aric Audio; they are both great to talk to, and quick with an honest opinion. |
@porchlight1 To be honest I am looking for 3D holographic sound and high level of clarity. I am not very good in describing my preferred sound.Luxman 590Mk2 is Class A 30W @8ohms and then it switch to class AB. I never felt power is less but with bad recording I may prefer a little warm presentation. I can try what you suggested, Luxman can be used as a preamp alone as well as a power amp with separates switch. Other question I have is it really needed to go with balanced output or single ended connection is good enough? Thank you. |
@kevemaher Agreed, A closer look at the measurements indicates the 328BE is actually a difficult load on the amplifier, dropping down to under 3 ohms in the bass region due to high phase angle and low impedance. |
@agbrace Your both speakers need lot of power I assume. You have very good power amps. I understand the importance of synergy between amp and speakers. I like luxman build quality and I dont want to go sidewise after the upgrade to pre power from Luxman. Since you are familiar with F228Be I think F328Be must be a step up over it. Revel F328Be is really good speaker (well measured) but again synergy between amp and speaker plays a big role. Beryllium tweeters are very transparent and if recordings are bad it will show immediately and with good recording it sounds very good with Revel and Luxman combo. I have top of line AVR from Arcam (class G) and when I use (You tube/blue rays) it with Revel all bad recordings sound good but when paired with Luxman Revel highlights the issue very quickly. |
- 125 posts total

