@jayctoy I have Schiit freya using 6sn7 tube not even close to Galion p75.
Would you be willing to share what sort of notable differences you hear between these two very different preamplifiers?
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!!!
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Quicksilver and Rp-1 are both great - Quicksilver does have a louder noise floor. Another one to think about is the Schiit Freya +, after it breaks in, so long as you’re using tungstol, it was also a fantastic sounding pre. Probably a hair more analytical than the QS or Rp-1. In order of my preferences it would be Schiit Frey +, Rp-1, and QS. |
@fastcat95 , you do not mention your speakers / room / listening position, or anything related to room acoustics. As a retired audio consultant, I would need to know this information way before a preamp recommendation. It has been my experience that the speakers, in your room, relative to your listening seat, should be the 1st things for you to optimize. I have heard more bad sounding systems because of issues with the above. My best, MrD. |
@laaudionut - That's exactly what I did, and then I sent it off to Aric for his upgrade, and yow! Was that ever worth the upgrade cost and it sounded great to start with. Aric said that with the upgrades, the Super 6SN7 will have 95% of the performance of the Motherlode and I do not doubt him. |
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