i think in any thread about high quality linestages or preamps the advice of the best c-j you can afford, or the best arc unit you can afford (if you run a true balanced system) is rock solid advice not that there aren't other wonderful brands out there, but you simply will not go wrong if you walk down either of these paths |
Buying a preamplifiers kind of like playing pool. You need to to anticipate the next shot after the one you’re making. So that would be the amplifier and I always viewed the pre-amplifier and the amplifier to be important and should be considered together. Does the amplifier offer distortion in a way that’s good for you? How does it impact the harmonics? Are you spending enough money so you don’t have to upgrade later? And you need to talk to a lot of people and not rush a purchase decision. Hopefully you’re not married cause that will complicate things. |
@emergingsoul ”Are you spending enough money so you don’t have to upgrade later?” I’m sorry, but where’s fun in that?? :) |
@decooney I am most often very pleased with my SLP 98. I do listen and critique what I'm hearing with each listening session. I'm still rolling tubes in and out and trying to sort out what I think sounds the best. I have so many possible combinations that I tend to confuse myself. I just picked up some old Shuguang metal base tubes that look very much like the old Melz. They sound surprisingly good. I've been leaving a pair of Sylvania GTB's in the buffer spots for awhile and trying to evaluate all others in the line/gain stage with the same buffers in play. Makes it a bit easier. I had used the EH gold pins in the buffer spot for a good while too. SQ seems about the same as with the Sylvania GTB's. You seem to like Psvanes. Which ones? There are quite a few choices. Anyway, not trying to take over the OP's thread, at least he can read about what tubes other guys use and like. @rockadanny Didn't mean to steal your thread, just get caught up in the conversations. There is little question that you could make a big difference by picking up a new preamp, just trying to suggest some cheaper options. Tubes vary tremendously. I've been "tuning" my phono preamp with different tubes for about a year and to me, it's just fun to see what a difference tubes can make. |
