@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.
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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@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. |
@larsman, Aric's gear and the whole client experience, is truly something unique! Enjoy yours! |
Thanks for all the reply's! In response to mrdecibel: I have a 17' x 13' x8' room. Fried C6 TL 2 way monitors with single sub. My listening position is centered laterally, 6 ft from the wall opposite the speakers, which are 4'-6' from the back wall, and 3'-6" from side walls. I have corner tube traps on the back wall, wall absorber panels on back and side walls near speakers. Carpet floor. I have used REW software to roughly model the speaker positions in my room.
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