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

@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.

 

@vthokie83  Thanks for sharing your experience with S5.5 and Motherlode XL preamp. I was also thinking S5.5 will be more than enough for my speakers based on my experience with Luxman 590 30W class A integrated. However some members expressed concerns due to low impedance and phase angle and Luxman's power spec is underrated.

I will talk to Doug Dale at Coda an decide. Last week I was very busy with work hence couldn't talk, I  will do it coming week.

+1 for Aric Audio, had a Super 6SN7 awhile back, very nice and beautiful build quality. 

@yyzsantabarbara how would you compare the Coda 16 to the Continuum No.8 V1? That is an upgrade I would seriously consider but a pretty big bump in price.

Thanks.