AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Tube-o-phile Circle => Topic started by: brucemarnold on 1 Jun 2018, 09:27 pm
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Howdy,
You know, I posted a somewhat similar question on here a bit ago, but I think I might have a different way to get the information I crave. If I have $7k to spend on an amp-preamp/linestage setup, what should I get?
I listed to a lot of "reverb" type of music that isn't too detailed: Smooth Jazz, Deep House, a lot of "floaty" electronica/downtempo, Chillwave, and singers like Lisa Shaw and Samantha James. I know. I'm a terrible person that isn't taking advantage of my system, but if you could help me given my musical naivete, I'd really appreciate it.
As such, I'd like to put together a system that is a "tad" tube-y/lush, but I'm feeling like I'd want to have a lot of the tube-y-ness in the preamp. The only other thing I require is that the preamp/linestage has to have a remote-controlled volume. I know I can roll tubes, but let's limit this to off-the-shelf OR you tell me what components to get AND the tubes I should get to replace the stock ones with. Just assume I'll find a good pair of speakers to match, so I don't want to get into that right now..
And... go... :)
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What is your speaker? Its permanet?
How much watts you need? Room size?
You could order to made a tube amp in a builder with the best parts, if you live in US.
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I would have Wavebourn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edx0UP9WX_Q&t=2s) build me the amplifier. I'll refer to others for a preamp that can pile on the lushness. The guy seriously charges hardly anything at all for them, and his tech talk is very convincing on top of comparing favorably with very expensive amps in subjective tests up to this point.
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My choice would be:
PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium HP Power Amplifier Regular price $3,899.00
PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium Power Amplifier Regular price $3,199.00
-Ron
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My recommendation would have dynamic, detailed, and very live sound, but would be used components. TRL DUDE preamp with the remote option, and Nuforce Ref 9 V3 SE mono amps with TDSS Level 3 upgrades. The combo on the used market, paying for TDSS to do the mods, would be right about $7000. It would be VERY tough to beat the sound of this combo. Bob Smith at TDSS says the 175 watt/ch amps are more like 250 watt/ch after he does the upgrades. They sound better in all areas from the stock amps. I've had them and heard the awesome upgraded versions. The tough thing would be to find a used DUDE to buy. They are getting very scarce on the used market. Besides, you have to love a 75 lb. preamp and mono amps you can stick under one arm to carry.
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I'm not clear if you're wanting a tube amp and a tube pre, but if you're open to an amp and pre with tubes somewhere in the chain, for your budget I'd recommend a Vinnie Rossi LIO. You could look in the used market - may be able to get one with the DHT - or call him directly and see what he would recommend. I (and others) have tried this in comparison to a tube amp : tube pre combination and prefer it. There is something about the synergy he achieves in an integrated yet modular unit. Vinnie also provides outstanding service.
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Don Sachs SP14 loaded with upgrades and a 64 step remote. Combine with his custom KT 88 amp .... a shade over $6K total
If you consider an integrated......Line Magnetic 508ia.....$5K
Either would leave you a decent financial jump start towards your speakers.
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Choosing an amp and preamp without knowing your speaker choice makes no sense, IMO.
Decware and Tortuga are two quality companies.
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Choosing an amp and preamp without knowing your speaker choice makes no sense, IMO.
Decware and Tortuga are two quality companies.
Yep, I was thinking the same thing in regard to making a speaker selection first. That's why I offered two choices that could drive about anything with a tube frendly impedance curve. Fortunately, there's a plethora of tube friendly speakers out there. Agreed however....still more practical to start with the speaker first.
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My recommendation would have dynamic, detailed, and very live sound, but would be used components. TRL DUDE preamp with the remote option...
I demoed a TRL Dude in my system with the Salk HT2-TL speakers (RAAL tweeter) and found the sound too smoooooth for my taste. The pre-amps owner ended up selling the Dude to try out something with more energy. An excellent pre-amp but definitely system dependent so without knowing your speakers the pre-amp and amp recommendations will be all over the map.
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Without knowing the specs of your speakers this is little more than everyone listing their favorite amp and pre.......
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Last several replies sum it up pretty well. A litlle more info (mainly speakers, but approx room size/ music prefs & volume requirements) would help us help you. We love spending other people's money :icon_twisted:
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I listed to a lot of "reverb" type of music that isn't too detailed: Smooth Jazz, Deep House, a lot of "floaty" electronica/downtempo, Chillwave, and singers like Lisa Shaw and Samantha James. I know. I'm a terrible person that isn't taking advantage of my system, but if you could help me given my musical naivete, I'd really appreciate it.
Bad idea a FULL tube system with this type of music I think.
You can combine a preamp with SE topology (H2 predominant) with SS poweramp / hybrid poweramp.
Sensitivity, minimum impedance... of speakers? How big is the room? Distance from speakers?
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When I see this kind of money being spend I always ask myself why these people dont use a simpler Integrated amp, less connections, less interconnect, less power cable, less losses by transfers, less price.
I could love a Odyssey Cyclops, no price increase about 10 years so far:
http://www.odysseyaudio.com/products-cyclops.html
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Maybe, because most people buy with their eyes and they spend hours contemplating their system and do not really enjoy the music, getting excited when listening to certain topics.
But, in my recommendation, an electronics with SE topology is better to be far from the power electronics. With a very clean power too, and protected from transformers RF/EMI emissions.
An integrated with SE topology must be designed bery carefully.
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I sure Klaus at Odyssey can made an integrated Cyclops in SE form to a nice Class A operation.
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What WGH said about the DUDE is strange, but possible. The DUDE I have has Dueland caps, Audio Magic Pulse Gen ZX inside, Marconi Black base tubes, and Star Sound's .2AP.7 3-pt. trans mods on the 2 trans. I also have a Core Power Technology 150 running power from it to the Maestro outlet. The sound is very live, dynamic, with grunt in the bass that is very clear, and tremendous soundstage information. I also have pasted all contacts in my system with Perfect Path Total Contact enhancer that is at the 6 week point since application. Each of these things made a nice to significant difference in improving the sound. Together with the Nuforce Ref 9 V3 SE amps with the level 3 upgrades, the sound is just plain awesome in all ways.
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What WGH said about the DUDE is strange, but possible.
I have a good friend who has had at least 25 preamps in his system over the last 30 years. Gear is often chosen for the sound the individual likes or if you are like me, I try to find a piece of gear that is true to the music. Some issues are impedance mismatch, dry analytical caps, poor designs, lack of dynamics, ect. What I like may not be what my friend likes or the type of music he likes.
brucemarnold, please chime in............ :)
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Agree with others about the rest of your system. But, I would highly consider this PSA BHK hybrid tube-ss amp if you need high power. It is a demo and a steal at this price on audiogon. Pair it with a great tube preamp like a Don Sach's, BAT, ARC or Conrad Johnson.
Review- http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/ps-audio-bhk-250-hybrid-power-amplifier/
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis90028-ps-audio-bhk-stereo-amplifier-black-solid-state
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Hard to answer w/o knowing the speakers - esp. the sensitivity.
If you want to take a risk (and 1 that I am happy that I did), look at Transcendent Sound OTL amps.
Basically the tube is directly coupled w/ the output.
I would get a pair of these - https://www.transcendentsound.com/300B_OTL.html for your amps.
You could also look at a pair of these - https://www.transcendentsound.com/Transcendent_Sound_BEAST_OTL_Tube_Amp.html for more power.
The pre that I use is the Masterpiece - https://www.transcendentsound.com/Masterpiece.html
I had mine built for about $400 extra so figure that into your budget.
That would put you around $5k and Bruce will ship direct to the builder. I will vouch for him as well.
You can also discuss upgrades w/ Sonic Craft for capacitors. wiring, etc. but the design and tube choice are the most important IMO.
Then, you have some cash to put into the 300B's. I use EML 300B mesh in my pre and they are superb.
But, you are stepping out on a limb. Do some research on his site and you will see he has a good following.
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I agree with Larry on the BHK 250 as I own one and it will drive anything and you can tailor the sound a bit by changing the input tubes. As to the Audiogon ad though there are several dealers where you should be able to get it cheaper than that brand new.
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Wow...... you had to ask ? ....
Rouge Audio
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Decware - SE84UFO25 $3,300 (amp). no preamp needed.
Decware - ZTPRE $3,000 (preamp). For remote volume, multiple sources..
Add 95db + speakers
Omega - $3,000 - $5,000
Tekton - $1,000 - $3,300 (D.I.’s)
Decware- $1,000 - $5,000
Volti - $8,000
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Will2 pointed out the Vinnie Rossi LIO, I am selling one for a friend's wife who recently passed away. I would highly recommend this integrated depending on what speakers you have. It has all the bells and whistles and at a very good price. If you are running speakers that need a lot of power or have a really big room I would look at something else. But if you don't need a ton of power it will be hard to beat the LIO at $6990.00. If you are interested take a look at the add here on AC.
Good luck in your search and have fun!
Greg
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I don't like most tube stereo amps as they can sound congested, so I would go with a ModWright LS 100 and VAS Citation-2 Mono Block Power Amplifiers.
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Get a van Alstine FET Valve CFR preamp ($2,200) and FET Valve 600R amp ($3,200).
Howdy,
You know, I posted a somewhat similar question on here a bit ago, but I think I might have a different way to get the information I crave. If I have $7k to spend on an amp-preamp/linestage setup, what should I get?
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I don't like most tube stereo amps as they can sound congested
:duh:
Obviously, PicknPop, you have owned very poor tube amps.
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Maybe was something related to his speakers or amp/speaker synergy mismatch.
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I like Line Magnetic Audio. The LM-845 Premium is an integrated that would be a powerful tube option. I have the LM-216ia and it has the tube sweetness sound.
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Quicksilver Audio Remote Control Line Stage Preamplifier ($1595) and a pair of Mono 120 monoblocks ($3995/$4395) should give you the power to drive anything.
Martin
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:duh:
Obviously, PicknPop, you have owned very poor tube amps.
agreed, I was thinking the same thing .......
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Not the greatest looking, but for $1200, possibly one of the best deals in the audio world. Tommy's DAC STM int., not tube, but will compete. My buddy Rex sold his $7K LIO after putting this in his system. The STM had more detail and bigger soundstage. Rex has owned many tube amps the last 40 years plus. But if you get one, ask Tommy about his 36v PSU. Quite a bit better than the 48v PSU. I have never heard bass this good out of a tube amp, and I have owned many tube amps the last 40+ years.
https://www.cherryamp.com/stereo-maraschino-stm
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Wow.. these are some GREAT replies, everyone! I appreciate the responses and the passions behind them. I can tell you guys really think about this stuff.. and now have given me a lot to think about, too..
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Have we learned what speakers you have?
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The answer is Raven Audio.
(https://www.ravenaudio.com/assets/images/gallery/new-raven-audio-nighthawk-integrated-amp/534806_425338254176938_44750447_n.jpg)
The Avian Series https://www.ravenaudio.com/Raven-Audio-Avian-Series_c_8.html (https://www.ravenaudio.com/Raven-Audio-Avian-Series_c_8.html)
Or for something out of the ordainary that is like a little jewel, the Goldfinch https://www.ravenaudio.com/Goldfinch-Tabletop-System_p_24.html (https://www.ravenaudio.com/Goldfinch-Tabletop-System_p_24.html)
(https://www.ravenaudio.com/thumbnail.asp?file=assets/images/gallery/goldfinch/11110241_941211129256312_8486465708251743320_o.jpg&maxx=480&maxy=276)
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QuickSilver Integrated 20 watts per channel 2K pure Tube Bliss although a Push Pull design sounds as good as a SET amp very low noise floor !
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=180881)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=180882)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=180883)
Sounds very Liquid , realism in voices I have been playing with this for the last two months use KK cables and Kef LS 50
2. Roger Modjeski RM 200- Hybrid 100 watts per Channel I believe around 4K or his RM 10 I guess that is 17 watts per channel
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Wow...... you had to ask ? ....
Rouge Audio
Many people state that Rogue doesn't sound particularly lush/tube-y. In fact, my original idea was to go with an ST-100, but that seems to be downvoted as being too neutral.
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Have we learned what speakers you have?
See original post.
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QuickSilver Integrated 20 watts per channel 2K pure Tube Bliss although a Push Pull design sounds as good as a SET amp very low noise floor !
Sounds very Liquid , realism in voices I have been playing with this for the last two months use KK cables and Kef LS 50
2. Roger Modjeski RM 200- Hybrid 100 watts per Channel I believe around 4K or his RM 10 I guess that is 17 watts per channel
I'm surprised that such a low-wattage amp gets such high praise, but if it works, it works.. .
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Quicksilver Audio Remote Control Line Stage Preamplifier ($1595) and a pair of Mono 120 monoblocks ($3995/$4395) should give you the power to drive anything.
Martin
Lush/tube-y sound or more neutral, tho?
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I'd recommend the Don Sachs offerings that are popular here on this forum. Both use 6SN7s as driver tubes, which is IMO one of the very best sounding tubes out there:
(http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/CitationRestoration_html_files/7252.jpg)
http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html
and
http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20kt88%20tube%20amp.html
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I'd recommend the Don Sachs offerings that are popular here on this forum. Both use 6SN7s as driver tubes, which is IMO one of the very best sounding tubes out there:
(http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/CitationRestoration_html_files/7252.jpg)
http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html
and
http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20kt88%20tube%20amp.html
I have to admit.. this is the way that I'm leaning.. especially if you can call the guy and customize the setup to some extent.
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That's a solid choice. Plus with 60-70 tube watts per side, you'll have a decent variety of speakers to choose from. That said, I'd look for speakers with a benign impedance curve and 92 db and above in efficiency.
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For me the Audio Hungary Qualiton line is hard to beat. Class "A" operation Integrated amps at 20W [ $4750] and 50W [ $7450]. Or Audio Hungary APR204 preamp/phono [MM] [ 2k] and AH APX 200 100W amp [ $4750]. Classic tube sound that has weight, clarity and focus. Using NOS Tungstram and Tungsol tubes as stock tubes. The poor man's Lamm for sure. I just bought the mono blocks.
charles
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You can adjust the sound of the ST-100 by changing out the 12AX7'a and 12AU7's also with the preamp so if this amp fits your needs and price range go for it and put a "lusher" sounding preamp in front of it.
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You can adjust the sound of the ST-100 by changing out the 12AX7'a and 12AU7's also with the preamp so if this amp fits your needs and price range go for it and put a "lusher" sounding preamp in front of it.
Do you have a recommendation for a lusher preamp with a remote volume control?
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I use the IFI Pro Ican with remote volume. There are many features on this pre-amp, including two tube modes, and a SS mode. You can make it too lush depending on the adjustment you use. Extra bass and the tube+ mode can give you that. It also is a great headphone amp.
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Depends on if you are planning to buy the ST-100 new or used and how much you would have left over if $7000 is your limit.
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Depends on if you are planning to buy the ST-100 new or used and how much you would have left over if $7000 is your limit.
Well, throw some options at me so that I can get an idea, here...
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I yet think integrated is the way to go, tubes or SS.
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I demoed a TRL Dude in my system with the Salk HT2-TL speakers (RAAL tweeter) and found the sound too smoooooth for my taste. The pre-amps owner ended up selling the Dude to try out something with more energy. An excellent pre-amp but definitely system dependent so without knowing your speakers the pre-amp and amp recommendations will be all over the map.
Just seeing this, Wayne. I didn’t sell the Dude for something with more energy at all. I went straight from DAC to amp for a while because I thought it was good enough, but came to regret it later and now have a Don Sachs pre between DAC and amp. If I had it to do over, I would have kept the Dude all along.
I personally liked your Salks better with the Dude in the chain. So yeah, personal taste is pretty huge variable.
Also, Bob is the guy who bought my Dude!!!
Gotta love this hobby...
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If I was playing a lot of electronica and ethereal stuff and still wanted tubes, I’d recommend checking out the Linear Tube Audio stuff. It’s on the cleaner and more neutral and not as lush side of the tube sound. Excels at detail retrieval and throwing a high soundstage and massive amount of air for reverb. I auditioned their MZ2 preamp and ended up preferring the Don Sachs for my tastes. A richer and more soulful sound, but at the expense of a little of the MZ2’s detail, air, and amazing bass clarity and weight. I preferred the MZ2 with the electronica I heard.
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OP has tons of options, esp. with a $7k budget. But ya gotta start somewhere.
PrimaLuna is a solid choice, I have the HP INTEGRATED, their TOTL Integrated.
I don’t have AC here is CA, so I have to give up the PrimaLuna for cooler Class D.
But if I had AC, I would double down on PrimaLuna with the PREAMP AND AMP COMBO.
That would give me the “heft” of musical tone that I like. By heft, I also mean the feeling of live music, of “presence” of the music.
But since the OP doesn’t want “too tubey” a sound, I would just recommend the HP Integrated.
It won’t be too tubey, and in my tube-rolling experience with it, I can make the sound more tubey or less tubey, so the sound can be fine-tuned to my liking with a variety of speakers.
The PrimaLuna also has great hi/lo frequency extension
So many choices for you ... a hybrid tube/SS amp is an obvious choice, as well as separates
E.g., BAT, Balanced Audio Tech Integrated hybrid amp,
And many others
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+1 MicroZotl units.
I believe these tube units have a less traditional tube sound, but instead sound cleaner,
faster, less distortion (tho some tube distortion can be good and give a “presence” to the music),
super deep soundstage per Clayton Shaw of Spatial Audio, who has told me last year
he was using MicroZotl at some trade shows with his Spatial Series speakers.
What about Vinnie Rossi LIO, his Integrated amp units with a couple tubes in the preAmp section.
You can also add an internal DAC and or Phono section if you like.
There have been quite a few on the used market the last few months for great prices.
OP, it would be awesome to pay someone to build a custom unit for you (Dan Sachs),
but what if you spend $7k on a custom job, then get it, and it’s not the sound you are looking for?
Can you return a Custom job??
Perhaps request a loaner first, then decide if you wanna pull the trigger... negotiate
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Buy used gear cheap or estate sale. find some excellent mcintosh amps at estate sales for peanuts. Allnic is excellent quality and cheap used.
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:D AVA top pre and amp together add to cheap so more to spend on the rest of the system. :D
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Yeah, there’s an Allnic pre in the AC classifieds at the right price for the OP that I’ve been listing after for a while. With a new baby and change in job, I just can’t afford any major system changes at this point, and may actually need to sell off/simplify in the coming year. Otherwise I’d be all over giving that Allnic a try.
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Lush/tube-y sound or more neutral, tho?
Neutral ! not lush tuby at all ! KeF LS 50 are very revealing , most reviewer use it to review equipment will point out faults or a bad recording they sound GR8 with QS Integrated except their is a draw back to the amp it does not have a remote control
The choice of DS-2 Pre-amp and the Kooteney may also be good except I have not heard the DS-KT-88 amp so I cannot comment !
Asghar
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Like most of these threads, every amp and preamp option are listed and this all comes down to each persons personal preference. With your budget, you need to get out and listen to systems, go to a show or two and make your best guess using your ears and your brain. Wanting others to choose for you will not get you the sound you personally desire. You haven't chosen speakers, front end , wire, power conditioning, amp or preamp, so this is basically a waste of time. Personal preference doesn't matter if it's not your preference. Let's just list every combination possible...... :duh:
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Buy used gear cheap or estate sale. find some excellent mcintosh amps at estate sales for peanuts. Allnic is excellent quality and cheap used.
I noticed that there's a black Rouge ST-100 on sale for $2200.. I might pull the trigger on that, but I would really want to make sure the preamp is at least somewhat/fairly lush if I were to get that.
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brucemarmold
The traditional "lush" tube preamps are considered to be Cary and Conrad Johnson, but as a general rule ones designed around the 6SN7 tube will also fall in the range. With readily available NOS tubes still available on both ends of the sonic spectrum you can adjust them in one direction or the other. Others to consider would be the Don Sachs and the Modwright LS-100. Excellent choices though not on the "lush" end would be the Linear Tube Audio, Backert Labs or even some of Rogues own. In general if you are looking for classic "tube" sound stay away from preamps based on the 6H30 tubes.
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brucemarmold
The traditional "lush" tube preamps are considered to be Cary and Conrad Johnson, but as a general rule ones designed around the 6SN7 tube will also fall in the range. With readily available NOS tubes still available on both ends of the sonic spectrum you can adjust them in one direction or the other. Others to consider would be the Don Sachs and the Modwright LS-100. Excellent choices though not on the "lush" end would be the Linear Tube Audio, Backert Labs or even some of Rogues own. In general if you are looking for classic "tube" sound stay away from preamps based on the 6H30 tubes.
The Rouge Audio ST-100 and MW LS-100 were the original combo I had picked out, but I warned this combo was pretty neutral. I'll look into these (and others as pointed out) by members here, tho.. this did open up Pandora's jar to some extent, but I'm finding it fairly worthwhile to re-consider all of this.
/ed - the SLP-05 is a really nice looking preamp.. I'd almost buy it just based on that..
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Even though the Rogue is supplied with KT-120 tubes it will take anything from EL-34 up to the KT-120's with a different bias point and a lower power output so it can be "tuned" with the power tubes as well as the small signal tubes. I have an LS-100 (not currently in use) and it can be tuned to a point with the 6SN7's but not to the point of "Cary Lush."
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In your opening post you stated "Just assume I'll find a good pair of speakers to match, so I don't want to get into that right now.. "
Your searches have also found the Cary SLP-05 preamp, which you say you really like the looks of. I've also heard you say more than once you want lush sound from the preamp. If so, get the Cary SLP-98 preamp. I had one and it is on the lush side. The SLP-05 is a superb preamp, but it sounds much more clear and revealing, not lush. Mate that with whatever Cary tube amp takes the rest of your budget, new or used.
My two other paring choices: Both units from Linear Tube Audio (my current electronics) or the units from Don Sachs, also really well done and widely praised. I have Don's phono stage, and it is wonderful. Again, if you want lush, Cary gear is classic and fits that profile.
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In your opening post you stated "Just assume I'll find a good pair of speakers to match, so I don't want to get into that right now.. "
Your searches have also found the Cary SLP-05 preamp, which you say you really like the looks of. I've also heard you say more than once you want lush sound from the preamp. If so, get the Cary SLP-98 preamp. I had one and it is on the lush side. The SLP-05 is a superb preamp, but it sounds much more clear and revealing, not lush. Mate that with whatever Cary tube amp takes the rest of your budget, new or used.
My two other paring choices: Both units from Linear Tube Audio (my current electronics) or the units from Don Sachs, also really well done and widely praised. I have Don's phono stage, and it is wonderful. Again, if you want lush, Cary gear is classic and fits that profile.
ok... I think I'll just do that, then... and thank everyone here, sincerely.. I've learned a lot and I know I'm going to enjoy all of this going forward!
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I was a late=comer to the tube amp fanatics, having been exposed to SS for a number of years (Marantz, Crown....), then never looked back. I played a couple of years several brands. Then, a friend recommended me to build a 6SN7-based pre from Audio Electronic Supply, a kid sub of Cary. I built it, and then added a rectifier, and never looked back.
I'm no expert, but just saying here based on my personal experience. I had stumbled on some "expert" guidance here, and got hold a document of a pretty good & extensive write-up of the 6SN7 tube, the different brands of it, and the VT231 type included.... I ended up with at least a pair of at least a dozen brands (still have them). In the end, however, I found the Shuguang 6SN7 my favorite all-around general-use tube. Its sound is just what I love. My setup may not have the best in resolution, etc. BUT, the tonality I just love. So... on a trip to China (some years back now), I was in the town where Shuguang was headquartered. I ended up buying like a dozen pairs of that tube, at like $10 a pair.
I have not looked back, into other more expensive and better brands of amplification. The other brands, VT231s included, all have their virtues. But... the Shuguang is still my favorite all-around tube. Couple of years ago, out of curiosity, I spent like $80 (or more?, and it was on sale) for a tube from a merchant in the DC/VA area. It doesn't even come close in terms of sound quality. The mids drive the sound, IMO, and the Shuguang is still better, at $10 a pair. :popcorn:
brucemarmold
The traditional "lush" tube preamps are considered to be Cary and Conrad Johnson, but as a general rule ones designed around the 6SN7 tube will also fall in the range. With readily available NOS tubes still available on both ends of the sonic spectrum you can adjust them in one direction or the other. Others to consider would be the Don Sachs and the Modwright LS-100. Excellent choices though not on the "lush" end would be the Linear Tube Audio, Backert Labs or even some of Rogues own. In general if you are looking for classic "tube" sound stay away from preamps based on the 6H30 tubes.
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I’m a fan of Audio Research and own a older VS 110 that sounds very nice indeed. I like simple passive tube pre amps from Bottlehead. You should be able to find both on eBay or Audiogon for well less than 7k or mate the Audio Research amp with an Audio Research pre and have money to get a nice new tube set for both.
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Just wanted to say I love tubes and I am very happy with my choices.
I have the SP14 however it is not the Don Sachs version..it is a custom made SP14 from tubes4hifi with a CARY CHASSIS a nice thick gauge of metal...meaty...sounds great with the 803diamonds. Not bright or fatiguing to listen too. My Tube amplifiers are mono-blocks. The m125's from tube4hifi.
A competitor IMO to McIntosh since my friend owns the Mac275. Even he admits the m125's give the McIntosh a run for the money.
My dac is also tubes...Audionote4.1LE
Money well spent.