Another tube preamp "What should I buy" question.


I’m looking for a preamp to last me for the next 20 years - a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend big. Have a Holo Spring DAC, and will never have a turntable so linestage only. It’s to feed a Michi S5 power amp, into a pair of Cornwalls.

I’m close to pushing the button on a McIntosh MC2700. But why not the Prima Luna Evo 400 Pre? Or (and this is a wildcard) a Leben preamp? Love the idea of a Manley Neo Classic 300B but am concerned of reports of hum that the Cornwalls would only accentuate.

I know this kind of question has been asked many times before on this forum, but what’s the current view? Does anyone have an informed opinion one way or the other?

rowester

i would get the best audio research (balanced) or conrad johnson (single ended) line stage you can afford...although leben is also excellent (but a touch overly tubey sounding to my ear)

Welcome.  The key questions are what are you using now, what specific improvements are you looking for, and what sound characteristics are most important to you?  Without this critical info this is just a crapshoot.  Also, what’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?

I'd be looking at Audio Research or Conrad Johnson. Natural, musical and built for decades of use.