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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
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,478 posts
 

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

parkergetdean
1,093 posts
 

whatever you go with, buy two of them. I always do. When one breaks there is a quick replacement or ample spare parts.

kirkwallace's avatar
kirkwallace
330 posts
 

I almost committed to the Aric Motherlode XL, but his current order list means, he told me, that. you have a 6 month wait to get your unit.  So, you’d have to buy something else in the meantime. (Or under @parkergetdean ‘s rule, you have to buy 2 something else’s while you wait for your 2 Motherlodes.)

I went the Spatial Raven instead and it will be ready in 2-3 weeks. @rowester, maybe compare the Raven to the Leben, ARC and CJ models of your choice and see which fits better with your budget and equipment?

hk_fan
635 posts
 

I'd look at Aeries Cerat or Audio Research if you must have tubes.  If you are looking at solid state I'd consider CH Precision or Gryphon.

 

Good luck.

lanx0003
1,959 posts
 

OTL with little or zero feedback design is main stream for tube preamp.  Give boutique company like LTA a chance.  Its MicroZOTL level 3 is well reviewed.

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