Tube vs. Solid State Pre Amp

Since Tomi pretty much has a plan....

Out of tube preamps I've heard, and, shopping for myself, Octave Audio and Thrax would be at the top of the list with Jadis close. Leaning more lush, I do have a soft spot for CJ. The new Mac Ref preamp just under $10k was one of he better Mac preamps I've heard. I respect ARC and Cary but neither really appeal to my taste.

I didn't get a close look at the set up but Raven Audio sounded impressive.
 
Mr Peabody said:
Since Tomi pretty much has a plan....

Out of tube preamps I've heard, and, shopping for myself, Octave Audio and Thrax would be at the top of the list with Jadis close. Leaning more lush, I do have a soft spot for CJ. The new Mac Ref preamp just under $10k was one of he better Mac preamps I've heard. I respect ARC and Cary but neither really appeal to my taste.

I didn't get a close look at the set up but Raven Audio sounded impressive.
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I owned the Cary SLP-05 and currently own the ARC Reference 10 and they are both world class preamps.

The Cary has a warm presentation with amazing decay, delivers jaw dropping realism and places you in the venue better than any preamp I've ever heard. In my opinion, there is little that can match its performance at its price point.

The ARC Reference 10 is supremely neutral in its presentation with a huge soundstage in both width and depth, smooth and refined treble, midrange body and dimension, robust and textured deep reaching bass, wonderful detail and nuance, and incredible dynamics.

Ken
 
I am using a Cary slp-05 as well - very involving presentation. To get the most out of Cary, you really need to get some good tubes in there - the brighter the tubes, the better (Sylvania's are great but RCA will be too warm).
 
I respect ARC and Cary, notice I said, "to my taste", some like chocolate, some strawberry. Not a slam, just an opinion.

Vintage ARC I come closer to liking than newer models. To me, and by comparison, ARC seems stripped of tonal textures, or colors, colors in a positive sense. Back in the 90's I heard an ARC set up, VT100 drving Martin Logan Requests, can't remember which preamp, and a Wadia front end, this was the best I've heard ARC sound, the presence and imaging was incredible. Most ARC since has been complete systems with B&W, maybe the synergy isn't great. Based on that experience I actually brought home an ARC pre/power to audition at a time I was looking for a change. I was using Dynaudio speakers at the time, I didn't like the result.

I have a friend who actually carried Cary, hasn't officially dropped the line. He had the solid state, both tube preamps, single and dual chassis, I forget the model numbers, had a big tube Cary power amp, and a couple of their DAC's. He didn't do much tube rolling except to put kt120's into the Sly-80. I notice the gear tends to require a long break in period. I just favor other brands of tube gear over Cary, from what I've heard so far.

If you use either brand and happy, that's great. I don't believe I've seen anyone else hear with Levinson as I do, so we buy our gear to please our ears. Hopefully :)
 
I have not had the opportunity of listening to current generation of ARC amplifiers, however the vintage VT50 that I just added to my system as a change of pace has been very impressive. I was actually surprised at how much I enjoy this amplifier as a change from my other amplifier, the Son Of Ampzilla II, which I really enjoy also!
 
Another preamp to consider is the Atma-Sphere MP-3. It has a beautiful mid range. I preferred it over the more expensive ARC LS 27 in head to head listening. While not in the $10K range it competes well with preamps in the price group.
 
Another preamp to consider is the Atma-Sphere MP-3. It has a beautiful mid range. I preferred it over the more expensive ARC LS 27 in head to head listening.

The Atma-Sphere MP-1 is a step up but I haven't heard one. It sells for about $10K.
 
I would suggest the Berning. It has the best qualities of SS - linearity and transparency, with the harmonics of tubes, without the colorations and distortions.
 
I am going to be a busy girl....but, after installing a second cellular blind which covers the artificial fireplace, once again the sound has less SS harshness, almost warm on some recordings...Joni Mitchell, "Wild Things Run Fast" for example.

I will try the VTL 5.5 initially, then I will have a first impression of what the difference might be in the No. 38 and tubes. In any case, all the listening, traveling, or in general goofing off, isn't this what it is all about....LOL?

In my latest speaker movements I have discovered differences in an inch or so. And, I believe I will do some more "room tuning" with dense foam to adjust the low end. I like solid floors, i.e., down to 20Hz, it just seems to add a subtle part to many pieces, barely perceptible, but important.

Thanks for all the suggestions
 
Like some mentioned before Octave makes some of the best tube amps in the business. Also a 2nd hand Zanden Model3000 is among the best if you want tubes.

For SS pre amps I regard the Symphonic Line RG3 highly. (sorry bit of a SL fanboy)
 
Sounds like you are having fun with your system and that is what it is all about. My STP-SE is way back to me so I am very excited to be getting some pre-amplifier improvements to play around with very shortly also!!!!

Msmoto said:
I am going to be a busy girl....but, after installing a second cellular blind which covers the artificial fireplace, once again the sound has less SS harshness, almost warm on some recordings...Joni Mitchell, "Wild Things Run Fast" for example.

I will try the VTL 5.5 initially, then I will have a first impression of what the difference might be in the No. 38 and tubes. In any case, all the listening, traveling, or in general goofing off, isn't this what it is all about....LOL?

In my latest speaker movements I have discovered differences in an inch or so. And, I believe I will do some more "room tuning" with dense foam to adjust the low end. I like solid floors, i.e., down to 20Hz, it just seems to add a subtle part to many pieces, barely perceptible, but important.

Thanks for all the suggestions
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Mordante said:
Like some mentioned before Octave makes some of the best tube amps in the business. Also a 2nd hand Zanden Model3000 is among the best if you want tubes.

For SS pre amps I regard the Symphonic Line RG3 highly. (sorry bit of a SL fanboy)
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You should hear the Symphonic Line Kraft - superb :) - 300w class A
 
Did not read the whole thread so if I am repeating so sorry. I have the PS Audio BHK Pre and it fits all the needs you mentioned on the first page. You can also tube roll, turn off tube section when not listening. Well below budget. Mosfet output combines best of both tube and solid state.
 
Congratulations Randy!

Now that was a smart move :) You still have the option of doing the Level 2 on it in the future for even more performance.

Randy Myers said:
Sounds like you are having fun with your system and that is what it is all about. My STP-SE is way back to me so I am very excited to be getting some pre-amplifier improvements to play around with very shortly also!!!!
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The STP- SE is arriving tomorrow :)... Unfortunately I have to go to an office that is about an hour away tomorrow to meet with the data team of the company that bought us :(.... so I won't get to play until the evening... really looking forward to seeing how it interacts with the ARC amp.
 
Already mentioned earlier, but the Cary SLP05 and Rogue Hera II are fantastic options (Cary will give you a little more "warmth" then the Rogue).

If you don't care about a remote control, don't care about balanced, and don't mind waiting a while to get one in....the Leben RS-28CX is an AMAZING pre (and you will be quite a bit under your budget as well).

I would also think about the Line Magnetic 512CA.
 
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