Preamp advice

Audio Research LS-28 SE

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650219477-audio-research-ls-28se/

I wrote the nonsense on the Valhalla 3 OTL/OCL and very happy with it sonically. The reason I got that preamp is because my friend told me to take home a $33k Allnic OTL/OCL tube preamp to listen and it was the best preamp I have ever heard.

Products – Allnic Audio (the $33k one is not listed on the website, I think it was the L-15000 OTL/OCL Signature)

Super detailed and holographic (tubes). The Schiit Valhalla 3 OTL/OCL does not scale to the Allnic level, but it is better than all those preamps I listed above, including the Holo Audio Serene preamp which I forgot to list.

I have done a big change of heart with regards to preamps. I used to think that tube preamps were not detailed and DAC direct to amp was ALWAYS bad. However, the OTL/OCL tube preamps are very detailed and 2 DACs I recently heard, the imersiv D-1 and the Meitner MA3i are superb direct to amp (and also via a preamp for the Meitner).

I am still a fan of the Benchmark LA4 preamp. I like the Valhalla 3 OTL/OCL more sonically, but it is a PIA to use and not as feature rich as the LA4.

If I had money to burn, I would be looking at the $15k Allnic OTL/OCL as a headphone amp for my RAAL SR1a and also as a RCA out only preamp to my 2-channel amp.

HPA-15000 OTL/OCL – Allnic Audio (also a superb RCA output preamp)

I had that unit in the house for 3 weeks and compared it to the Valhalla 3 with the stock Schiit tubes. The Allnic was a lot better, however, the 2 replacement Valhalla tubes I now use are much better than stock and my satisfaction with the Valhalla 3 OTL/OCL is very high. I would rather buy the Meitner MA3i DAC over the HPA 15000 OTL/OCL because the Valhalla 3 OTL/OCL is pretty good so the DAC would be a better choice.

I also heard this OTL/OCL DAC and it was amazing. This review talks a a little about the character of OTL/OCL.

Allnic Audio D-15000 Signature OTL/OCL DAC - The Absolute Sound

I dig my Raven pre as many others on Agon do. Also there are soooo many pre amp threads. Tubes daddy oh tubes. 

I'd suggest looking into the preamps made by Aric Audio. These are awesome preamps as many will tell you, and excellent value for money. Only trouble is there is a waiting list...

https://aricaudio.com/tube-gear/