Tube pre-amps $3500 under to add "warmth"

The SP-8 is not tube like? I give up!

I'm surprised about Mr. Tennis' reaction to the JPL too; at least the earlier version of that line stage, with Telefunken or EI tubes in it, has all the tube bloom you could want (the JP80 even more so), particularly when I had it paired with the Jadis JA80 amps. What was in the rest of the system? Could the source of your problem be there (i.e., pairing the tube preamp with an early solid state amp or CD player)? Definitely a mystery. I would think that the Audio Note components would fill the bill too, but now I'm not so sure.

hi jafox:

the jadis ja 80, the original defy 7, some of the cj pv5 preamps are all examples of the classic tube sound--creamy, rich, and carmel colored--yummy.

audio research pramps do not have the classic tube sound.
it's no big deal. very few tube preamps have that sound.

I think it's quite clear that mrt really doen't have a concept of what tubed gear, past or present, should sound like.

His unrealistic expectations run contrary to almost every manufacturer and participant here so let him pout, complain, and whine.

I'm amazed there is an editor willing to publish his drivel.

The original AI Model 3 may be your cup of tea.The tubes used can make a large difference in presentation and harmonic content.