Thinking of tubes...

[CentraL]

Dear all,

I will be looking for a tube pre amplifier to replace my solid state Pass X-2.

The reason is a small Dared pre amp equipped with NOS Mullard tubes that I was able to use in my system for a little while. That little thing added a sense of “I have no clue what it is but I like it” in the system and hence the research….

I hardly know the companies one should investigate for tube based amplification, so I need proposals to start with.

Sound-wise I don’t seek for the bloated “TUBES INSIDE” sound. I would get sick & tired of it real soon.

Good design technically and aesthetically is essential. I would prefer the tubes to be visible (tube rolling ahead).

I need it to be flexible – at least 4 line inputs – tape loop would be nice – no phono stage needed.

Remote control not really needed, it’s a nice feature though.

This is a mid-term plan. I am in no hurry. My system delivers fine as is. This elevates my budget to max. 2000 euros. I think that a 1000 euro pre amp should already be a potent amp, but I will be leaving room for the extra bits and pieces…

My starting point is the Cayin SC-6LS Preamplifier. Cayin is a company I respect and a giant manufacturer in itself. This amp sports most of the features I want and I will be given the chance to audition one in my system when I decide to do so.

I need to have my options clear though…

[Yiangos]

Gia sou Lefteri

Instead of cayin,i'd opt for a Icon Audio LA4 MK2. Why don't you check their web-site for more info ?

[CentraL]

Gia sou Lefteri

Instead of cayin,i'd opt for a Icon Audio LA4 MK2. Why don't you check their web-site for more info ?

I will make sure I do that.

Thank you for suggesting!!!

[jostber]

The Croft R preamp should give you much value for money:

http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk/micro25_R.html

The Bottlehead Foreplay III should also give you a good value:

http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=220&rn=430&action=show_detail

The Zen Ultra from Decware:

http://www.decware.com/newsite/ULTRA.html

All these amplifiers will have a lead time of some weeks. The advantage is that all these are either made in the UK or US, and they have a good reputation for solid service.

[Ali Tait]

I believe Clive uses one of these, looks interesting -

http://www.diyhifisupply.com/node/808

Or you could try one of these -

http://www.world-designs.co.uk/pre.htm

I use one myself, and they are very good IMHO.

[hifi_dave]

If you can find a better pre for the money than a Croft, please let me know.:scratch:

[CentraL]

Thank you Guyz for the effort!!!

[Dominic Harper]

Pre amp-

http://www.promitheusaudio.com/tvc.htm

Power amps look here-

http://northwestanalogue.weebly.com/new-amplifiers.html

[CentraL]

I really liked the Bottlehead Foreplay III (never heard of it before)...

I wonder if there is a review of some short to be found anywhere...

[Ali Tait]

Bottlehead gear is very good.

[CentraL]

Bottlehead gear is very good.

I really like the design of it!!!

[Ali Tait]

Yes, it looks good. As an aside, depending on how much you want to spend, there is a member of this forum who builds valve gear that is the best sounding I've heard. I'm sure he could make you a superb valve pre.

[selfaddict]

diyhifisupply or bottlehead gear would be my first choice as well.

[CentraL]

Yes, it looks good. As an aside, depending on how much you want to spend, there is a member of this forum who builds valve gear that is the best sounding I've heard. I'm sure he could make you a superb valve pre.

I already contacted Bottlehead, researching the terms of a possible order...

They are very helpful and I got a good impression.

I think I will be getting a ready-made foreplay to have side by side with my current Pass Labs SS preamp. I will be swiching preamps according to current mood...

[Ali Tait]

Cool. Let us know how it sounds.