[ralpheburns]

Can you suggest a new tube preamp?  This is the kind of thing I'm looking for:

-the usual goals for good dynamics and detail, quiet background, uncolored and even tonality and good imaging, but I'm especially keen on articulate bass extension.  I frequently listen at lower levels, so appreciate the bass extension.
- small, fine volume-control steps via remote control.  This is absolutely key for enjoyment.
- no phono input needed.  Actually, only one or maybe two inputs are needed.
- budget $6-7k-ish, new or newer-used.  Budgets are mere guidelines.
- must be available for an in-home demo somehow.
- emotionally I prefer point-point wiring, but execution is all that matters.
- if a preamp is sold with more shrill reissue tubes, I can fix that later with some nice NOS ones.

Connected gear: both hi-res and redbook files fed from a CAPS Zuma SoTM server computer into a Hegel HD25 DAC, said preamp into Quicksilver Silver 88 amps with some NOS input tubes and KT150 output tubes driving Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers, all wired up with Kimber 1026, 1126, and 6065 hybrid cabling. 

Thanks much, Ralph

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I have a BAT VK-51se tube preamp.  There is a used VK-32se for sale on Audiogon.  The 51se was rated one of the top preamps in its time, read the reviews.  The VK-32se is supposed to be even better.  Here is one for sale on Audiogon-

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-balanced-audio-technology-bat-vk-32-se-pristine-stereo-preamplifier-w-remote-below-half-2014-11-03-preamplifiers-37214-nashville-tn

This Atma-Sphere MP-3 MKIII is a great preamp as well.  It was my second choice for a preamp when I bought the BAT. However I do not think that the volume control is as fine as you want but I thought I would mention it since it is such a great sounding unit.  You can get them with a remote and add one if it does not come with one.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-atma-sphere-mp-3-mkiii-preamp-with-phono-award-winning-remarkable-2014-10-19-preamplifiers-85258-scottsdale-az

A word about the BAT's- They are very dynamic with great detail, resolution and clarity.  The midrange is deep, lush and holographic.  The sound stage is huge.  The bass is deep, powerful, fast and well controlled.  The overall tone is slightly on the warm side without being syrupy.  They are not too tubey sounding and have a completely black background.  The VK-32se is a little more resolving than the 51se.  I sold my Pass Labs X-1 preamp for the BAT and the BAT transformed my system into something special.  I run it with a Pass X250 amp and Magnepan 1.6 speaks. Here is a review on the VK-51se to give you an idea on how good they are.
http://www.stereophile.com/tubepreamps/1103bat/

The Atma Sphere MP-3 is another awesome preamp.  I preferred it over the ARC LS27 that cost $3000 more.  The MP-3 has a sweet midrange.
Here is an older version for a good price-

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/atma-sphere-mp-3-mk-ii-3-with-phono-teflon-cap-upgrade/

Here is another world classs preamp, a VTL 7.5

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-vtl-tl7-5-line-stage-reference-pre-amplifier-2014-10-10-preamplifiers-48423-davison-mi

[Jon L]

- budget $6-7k-ish, new or newer-used.  Budgets are mere guidelines.

Connected gear: both hi-res and redbook files fed from a CAPS Zuma SoTM server

This is interesting because I was able to remove my tube preamp from my system after optimizing my CAPS v3 Micro Zuma server with better power supplies (battery for SoTM card and linear PS for the Mobo). 

Battery feeding the USB card made a huge difference in giving me that black background while presenting easier-to-hear micro resolution and juicy, rich, 3-D imaging, something I was relying on my tube preamp for previously..

[Austin08]

If you consider buying used Bat VK32se please looking at my ad

It is as good as one can be in both cosmetic and performance. It does not has remote option but if your primary listening material is streaming then you can use the volume slider of the control app. I have been doing that with Mpod and it works fine.

[vortrex]

I would look into a used or demo Allnic L-3000.  Some of the best bass I have ever heard was from their entry level H-1201 phono stage.

[ralpheburns]

Hello again -

I will look into the BAT and VTL, but not the Atma-Sphere because it has fewer volume control steps, similar to my current preamp.  I'm also curious about Aesthetix. 

Now I'm curious about Jon L's solution for volume control.  I could get by with a single-source solution.

[jsm71]

If the Cary SLP 05 is in your budget, that would be my recommendation.  It meets all your criteria with the exception of perhaps an at home trial.  I have the baby brother SLP 98P and with NOS tubes it is wonderful.  The 05 is their flagship however.

[mdfoy]

I can without reservation recommend Response Audio, either the Purity Audio or Musica Bella line. Give Bill a call, he really is one of the good guys and sells a very high quality a product.   

Mike

[JoshK]

Thomas Mayer's 10y linestage.  vinylsavor.blogspot

[datman]

I would highly recommend the new PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium preamp. I have one and it is wonderful. Order a set of NOS  Cifte 12AU7 and you will have a world class preamp.

[ralpheburns]

Hello Fellow Circulars,

I really appreciate all the input, and reckon that we are all more lost without each other!  There are some good suggestions to start; Cary SLP-05 gets frequently suggested, BAT and VTL.  Curiously nobody mentioned Aesthetix.  The 10Y arises curiousity... I couldn't find about costs.  Another suggestion had me thinking in a tangent...

Since my sole source is digital, then how about leaving out the preamp in favor of a DAC with a proper analog volume control?  I don't need source selection, and can still mess around with NOS tubes in my Quicksilver Silver power amps.  My source is a PCM/DSD library from JRiver on a micro Zuma SoTM CAPs.  Selling my current SS preamp and PCM DAC will net around $7500, funds that can be recycled into a PCM/DSD DAC with a proper volume control. 

A potential candidate is the MSB Analog DAC, which does all this and potentially offers upgrade capacity.  The volume control is 1db (78) stepped-attenuator.  Thoughts?  Suddenly in the wrong circle?

[avta]

How about the Quicksilver preamp since you own their amps ?

[mboxler]

- must be available for an in-home demo somehow.

Where is home?  Perhaps someone in your area would let you demo their preamp(s).

Mike

[ralpheburns]

I'm in Boulder Colorado.
What do you think of my reply #10 above?  (new DAC with analog volume control, no preamp).

[twitch54]

ARC LS-27 …………..love mine !

[genjamon]

If you go the DAC with integrated volume control option, a Lampizator could fit the bill quite nicely within your budget, and give you some additional tube goodness.  They can fit a volume control in, and they have a really well designed DSD module that can be included for a bit extra. 

Another preamp you might look into is the Tube Research Labs Dude.  Awesome awesome bass presence, control, and detail - really balanced across the whole spectrum.  Massively overbuilt power supply, and all point to point wiring.  You can get Paul to do an option with remote.  I've had one for the past two years and have been very very impressed.  I was also thinking about getting some Quicksilver Silver 88's, so would be really curious about what the pairing sounds like.

[ralpheburns]

Thanks Genjamon -

I'll check into the Lampizator if you think they can add in DSD and volume control options.  What model would that be?  I looked at the site and didn't sort it out... and also didn't see how I could possibly audition one since they are a small Poland shop.  ???

Also trying to check into auditioning a MSB Analog DAC.

If I come back to preamps, I'll look up Tube Research.  Cheers!

[paul79]

Stretch the budget and get the Totaldac D1 Dual. By far the best sounding built in volume control in a DAC I have heard. Not to mention, a DAC that does EVERYTHING right. Totally

[Captainhemo]

Since my sole source is digital, then how about leaving out the preamp in favor of a DAC with a proper analog volume control?  I don't need source selection, and can still mess around with NOS tubes in my Quicksilver Silver power amps.  My source is a PCM/DSD library from JRiver on a micro Zuma SoTM CAPs.  Selling my current SS preamp and PCM DAC will net around $7500, funds that can be recycled into a PCM/DSD DAC with a proper volume control. 

A potential candidate is the MSB Analog DAC, which does all this and potentially offers upgrade capacity.  The volume control is 1db (78) stepped-attenuator.  Thoughts?  Suddenly in the wrong circle?

Not sure you'd be interested in this or not but  figured I'd throw it in...
You may want to have a look at Vinnie Rossi's new LIO.  Powered by 2 banks of Ultra Capacitors so it is  never on"the grid".  It is supposed to be extremely quiet.  It can be configured in many different way  including as a DSD Dac/preamp, a tube stage with resistor volume control can be added  (64 steps), or with the   Autoformer Volume control  making it a true passive preamp.  Vinnie has  discussed how the AVC decreases voltage but increases current a  low volume settings making it great for  lower level listening (no tube stage with the AVC  however).
Best of all, he offers a 30 day in home trial. If you sign up for the pre-order (on now) you can order it with all the different  modules you are interested in and  try them , keep only what you  want, keep none if you aren't happy.  In either case,   shipping and return shipping is paid for.

You can read more  in the  Vinnie Rossi circle or at vinnierossi.com .

Note, I haven no affiliation with Vinnie,  just been reading about this new  platform and  it seems very intresting.

-jay

[ralpheburns]

Ok Jay -

I'll check LIO out!  Whohoo, what a no-risk proposition!

The sucky dumb thing is that I didn't decide to make this switch until weeks after this year's RMAF show... I'm in Colorado.... and I coulda woulda shoulda listened/played with several options...