[shahed]

My system consists of Anedio D2, ModWright LS100 preamp, ModWright KWA100SE amp and Daedalus Ulysses speaker with Antipodes audio interconnects and speaker cable, triode wire labs power cable and UberBuss. I really love the sound of my system - the best I've ever had. But I'm itching for some tube goodiness in my system.

I use MW LS100 with Sophia 6sn7 and create/synergy rectifier tubes. Everyone familiar knows LS100 punches above their class and ModWright and Daedalus has excellent synergy. But LS100 as good as it is (sounds more like solid state - which is great), I'm craving for some tube distortion.

I used to have PMC AML-1 active speaker with W4S Dac-2. In order to soften the higher octave, I bought a Vincent Audio SA-T8 tube preamp. It transformed my system with wonderful tube distortion and added sweetness at the top/upper mid. I mostly listen to rock. So the hint of sweet and lushness without being too warm, was just enough for my taste.

Now my Daedalus and ModWright setup sounds wonderful for various sort of rock (mostly indie) listening. The current sound signature does not give any vibe that it has tubes in it.

Can anyone suggest a tube preamp with the following criteria:

1. Has balanced in and out.
2. Max output impedance less than 500 ohms.
3. Sweet and lush tube sound without compromising the dynamics. I wouldn't compromise the dynamics of my sound for anything. But would be ok to sacrifice a little bit of bass oomph and slam for the tube sound.

Again, I really like the sound of my system; so I'm patient. Mostly looking for a long term satisfaction. I'd like to keep it within $5k new or used. I may consider to stretch my budget a bit if the recommended preamp can really transform my system - which would be hard to do.

[jimdgoulding]

Don't know if this meets the criteria, but research the Mystere CA 21 and the Melody Black 101.  You will have to add a phono pre to the former if you listen to records.  Don't know about the latter.

[shahed]

Thanks for the recommendation. I've researched both the units. And from what I read, both the preamp sounds like a giant killer. I've heard from a trusted source that Mystere CA 21 is definitely better than aeshtetix callypso.

But unfortunately none would work for me. Mystere is single ended, doesn't have remote and output impedance too high for my amp. Melody also has high output impedance.

[minimus]

Shahed, I currently own the Mystere CA21 and used to own an Aesthetix Calypso.  The Calypso is a warmer, more "tubey" sounding preamp.  I prefer the Mystere to the Calypso because it has a more linear sound than the Calypso, with slightly better resolution and less midrange bloom.  But if you are looking for a warmer sound and want that midrange bloom, the Calypso would be a good choice.  Also, there is not a night and day difference between the two preamps, and I am sure some listeners would prefer the sound of the Calypso to the Mystere, depending on their sonic preferences.
 
Not sure what the input impedance of your Modwright amp is, but I have used the Calypso and the Mystere with a variety of amps, including my current amp, a Pass Labs X150.5.  It has a relatively low input impedance, especially when used single-ended.  Even though the output impedance of the Mystere and Calypso are not ultra-low, I still have gotten very deep bass with both preamps. 

Needless to say, the Calypso is also quite inexpensive for a fully balanced preamp.   Your other options are likely to be a good bit more expensive than the Calypso, even used.