2. amps-preamps
  3. 1154005476

I need help choosing my next tube preamp.

Although I really enjoyed usnig my ARC LS-15 preamp since I bought it brand new several years ago, I'm looking to upgrade it.

I'd like to stay with tube preamps only.

I like experimenting with different tubes, so the new preamp should probably not be based on the new 6H30 supertube.

Qualities I'm looking for in my next preamp - it should have a pretty laid back(more so than the LS-15) but dynamic character, with plenty of detail, but not be hyper detailed, should have good definition in the bass region(deep, tight bass, not bloaty), full sounding mids and produce a wide and deep soundstage.
Also, it should have a high resolution volume control with plenty of steps to provide ability to fine tune volume for late night low-level listening.

Primary source in my system is digital. No analog as of yet.

The candidate preamps are:
ARC LS-25 MkI,
BAT VK-31,
Sonic Frontiers Line-3
Aesthetix Calypso

I'm pretty much open to other tube preamp suggestions, as long as it is from a well known manufacturer and is not known to have reliability issues.

I listen to different types of music. Classical, traditional and modern jazz, blues and rock.

Really looking for your expert opinion. And if someone who has any experience with the mentioned preamps can share their thoughts, it would be great!

Thanks a lot!!!!
128x128audphile1
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
consider wavelength audio products and gil audio products.

from what i have heard, especially the well known brands such as audio research, conrad johnson, aesthetix, etc., the two aforementioned companies have preamps which are closer to the traditional sound of tubes, or should i say the "classic" sound of tubes, than most other brands.

oops, i forgot cary. forget about cary. does not sound like tubes either.
cedar
126 posts
 
It may be a little late to introduce a new preamp into this mix but the Audio Horizons TP 2.0 has all of the features you seek (balanced in/out etc), costs less than $3K, and is available for home demonstration. Several Audiogoners are using this preamp and love it (including me). You can see other comments if you search these discussion forums using the key words "audio horizons."
This preamp is a wonderful performer.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
sonic frontiers line 3 of the products listed...
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,227 posts
 
Thanks MrT, thanks Cedar.

Jaybo, could you please describe sound of Line-3 in few words? Things like presentation(forward, middle of the hall, laid back?), resolution, bass, mids, you know, all the good stuff. thanks!
jwpstayman
387 posts
 
Audiophile1 - be particular when trying the cj pre. They have a very unique volume control circuit which impacts the imput impedence of the pre, based on the volume setting, so certain high output impedence cd players and other devices will sound awful with these pre-amps. Besides - the VAC will blow the cj away in resolution and sonics IMO.
John
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