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What Tube Preamplifier Under $1800 to Choose?

Hello to all:

I have a solid state setup (upgraded McCormack DNA125, passive preamplifier, Pontus II 12th DAC, and URD CD transport), and I am thinking about acquiring a tube based preamplifier to give more warmth, bloom, and less "edgy" (smoother?) high frequencies.  I see preamplifiers like the Quicksilver (12at7 tubes), or things like the Rogue RP-1 (12au7 tube output stage), and others.  I am overall aiming at a slightly more smooth, warm, and less SS sounding quality (particularly in the higher frequencies).  For those of you with tube & SS experience, what preamplifier would you be looking for to meet the sound criteria I am seeking?  I do not want to spend much above $1800.  Thanks in advance!!!

fastcat95
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,634 posts
 

This is easy , No doubt Galion P75.I already have Galion TS 75, and the Galion discovery mono block. Now Iam thinking of getting P75 ,  or even the navy preamp.Thomas gear are musically exceptional .I might get the navy preamp if budget allows instead of the p75.

jallan's avatar
jallan
414 posts
 

Schiit Freya+ all day. I like the tonality of the 6SN7 tubes as well.

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,386 posts
 

+2 Schiit Freya+

Mike

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,994 posts
 

Schiit Freya+ for $1000 vs. a deHavilland for $1400 -- perhaps negotiated down a couple hundred? 

Buying the Schiit, new, in my view, is a real mistake. Totally out of the deHavilland's league.

skiznfliz
70 posts
 

I had a Rogue RP-1… Hated It… Yes you can roll tubes but I never got to the point I enjoyed what came out of it. The built in phono pre never loosened up and the display went erratic on me. Finally sent it back taking a hit of a 20% restocking fee, luckily the dealer took it back after the allotted return window.

i went on to purchase a Tubes 4 Hifi SP-13 that was excellent, responded beautifully to tube rolling but a year or so later I sold everything and purchased Odyssey Audio Kismet Mono blocks & his Candela Preamp and have been happy sound wise since. Found NOS 1960 GE 5814 TriMica Black Plate Tubes sounded fantastic in the Candela out of all the tube rolling I’ve done and are now my go to tubes. 

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