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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
ddrave44
158 posts
 

CJ Art88 for 20 years of joyous listening. 

Their best in a long line of great preamps.. 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,928 posts
 

Depending on your budget and would you consider a hybrid preamp? ARC 6SE will last a lifetime and service is not usually a problem.  I have an older ARC preamp that still makes me smile and I also have a hybrid preamp with a tube input section.  With a little tube rolling I’m very happy with it.

All the best.

mark200mph
826 posts
 

Mcintosh last forever retaines it's value and has tube. I have the 12000. Its either tube or solid state.read the review as it stated one of the best pre amps tested. Best of both worlds and clean quiet. Also have dagostino enjoy the hunt.

musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349
310 posts
 

I’m a total Audio Research Corporation fanboy. 

Not only do they sound wonderful, their build quality is second to none. And in rarest of times something goes wrong, they’ll be there to fix it. 

My family has a 50+ year history with ARC. Top class equipment. Top class company. 

Happy listening. 

gotolondon2
38 posts
 

@emergingsoul That made me laugh - thanks! Get a puppy indeed.

I went from Krell to Primaluna in the last few years and am mostly happy with it. 

I chose the Primaluna over the ARC due to the massive PITA tax (Pain In The ASS) if a valve blows with the ARC gear. I do think the ARC 5 and above sound better than the Primaluna by a bit. (and then incrementally better the farther up you move)

I was happy with this until I heard the Spatial Raven. That is the best pre I have ever heard. Full stop. Unfortunately, those are North America only and cannot be run the EU without a step-up converter which I am not willing to add to my chain.

All of the above are good recommendations. You just have to choose which flavour you desire. 

Add Don Sachs to your list if one ever comes up for sale - it is my understanding that this is the pre-cursor to the Spatial Raven, although I could be wrong on this. I am sure someone will be more than happy to correct me if I am.

Have fun with the search and I am happy for you that you are in the enviable position to choose what you like without a cost factor to be concerned with.

Cheers! 

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