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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
m20j201's avatar
m20j201
26 posts
 

Modwright LS99. This is the preamp I have and love it.

micthurst
30 posts
 

What about Airtight? Or even one of Scott Frankland’s soon to be released Magnus series units.

micthurst
30 posts
 

Correction. MFA Magus series, 

bimmerlover's avatar
bimmerlover
151 posts
 

@rowester, spring for the new ARC Reference 20 Linestage.

I have the predecessing Reference 10, which has been one of the absolute best linestages available for 13+ years, since it was launched  

I’m sure the Ref 20 will do the same, and since you are aiming for your "forever" unit, it would be an excellent choice.

Launched this week at AXPONA, it will set you back $48,000 but you didn’t mention a budget, so…

(If that feels a bit steep, ARC also just launched the Reference 7 linestage at AXPONA.)

moto_man
445 posts
 

I have to also cast a vote for the ARC REF 6.  Seemingly built like a tank, sounds fantastic, a true reference pre for the tubers.  ARC has been around for ages and although mine has never needed service, a company with a long history that is bigger than a one man designer is reassuring.

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