[Captainhemo]

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...

Man,  being up in Canada making it to RMAF is a bit of a trip but I'd love to attend one of these years. 

Yes, Vinnies current offer  for paying the shipping both ways makes it a "no-brainer". You really have nothing to lose and possibly everything to gain.  I'd like to try one out as a  pre/dac with both the tube stage/RVC and  also with the AVC but I'm  just not in a position  to buy one right now.   
If you do take Vinnie up on  his offer and  give one a test drive, pleas  let me/us know  what you think

-jay

[genjamon]

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!

If Lampizator is still of any interest, Gopher here on Audiocircle is the North American distributor for Lampizator, and I'm sure he would be very responsive to answering any of your questions about options.  He was always very responsive to me when I was researching options myself.

[tipatina]

I would recommend that you check out the Van Alstine preamp offerings. Frank has a return policy that allows you to return the component if you are not satisfied. I bought one of his tube preamps a couple of years ago and have been very happy. The built in phono is also outstanding and a great value.


http://www.theabsolutesound.com/buyers_guides/23/download/pdf

[ralpheburns]

I'm taking Jay's lead and will try a Vinnie Rossi LIO!  Attractions are that the modular design helps safeguard against obsolescence; the DAC module puts processors on a field-replaceable daughter board.  It can come with either tube & resistor volume control or AVC, both with 1 db volume steps and I ordered both to try.  Not to mention that it'll fit in my rack without a big fuss will cost less that I'll sell my current used gear!  It'll just be a matter of how I like the sound.  It won't arrive until Christmas at best, and I won't mind audition another DAC+Preamp unit to at the same time.

Vinnie suggested three possible NOS tubes to try in the Tubestage:
1) Telefunken 1960's E88CC/6922
2) Amperex 1960's 7308 gold pin
3) Mullard 1970's E8CC/CV2492 Military grade

Dearest Tube-o-Piles.... which of those might you try for good bass extension & good soundstaging?  (Might be conflicts there...)

[paul79]

Amperex would be my pick....

[Captainhemo]

  It won't arrive until Christmas at best, and I won't mind audition another DAC+Preamp unit to at the same time.

Well, Merry Christmas 

Good choice ordering both the  tube stage/RVC as well as the AVC, great way to  compare the tw.  It is great that Vinnie lets the customer ordrer  the moduales they are interested in  then  only keep what  you  like.

If this platform sound and performs  like  discussed, it shold really be something specail
Looking forward to hearing your impressions in the new year

[Steve]

Vinnie suggested three possible NOS tubes to try in the Tubestage:
1) Telefunken 1960's E88CC/6922
2) Amperex 1960's 7308 gold pin
3) Mullard 1970's E8CC/CV2492 Military grade

Dearest Tube-o-Piles.... which of those might you try for good bass extension & good soundstaging?  (Might be conflicts there...)

I probably disobeyed the rules, but thought it would be good to mention as one might not look in the trading post for just one tube.

I have one of Telefunken and one RCA/West Germany/Siemens, one 7308 Amperex tube, PQs and bugleboys. All check excellent and came from Tek 545 scopes.

Just PM me if anyone needs one.

Cheers

Steve

[bladesmith]

I'm taking Jay's lead and will try a Vinnie Rossi LIO!  Attractions are that the modular design helps safeguard against obsolescence; the DAC module puts processors on a field-replaceable daughter board.  It can come with either tube & resistor volume control or AVC, both with 1 db volume steps and I ordered both to try.  Not to mention that it'll fit in my rack without a big fuss will cost less that I'll sell my current used gear!  It'll just be a matter of how I like the sound.  It won't arrive until Christmas at best, and I won't mind audition another DAC+Preamp unit to at the same time.

Vinnie suggested three possible NOS tubes to try in the Tubestage:
1) Telefunken 1960's E88CC/6922
2) Amperex 1960's 7308 gold pin
3) Mullard 1970's E8CC/CV2492 Military grade

Dearest Tube-o-Piles.... which of those might you try for good bass extension & good soundstaging?  (Might be conflicts there...)

The Amprex's are sweet, so are the older (1960's) RCA's....  the old (1960's) Hewlett Packard are my favorites. (IMHO)

[Bigfishhk]

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.

Ralph. I recommend the Rogue 99 super magnum pre amp which is well below your budget! It hits most of your musical demands very well. The new models have fine volume control remotes wheras the older ones don't.

[WireNut]

Do you need balanced or unbalanced outputs and how many sets of outputs?
I started out with unbalanced gear, but now I'm running balanced gear and lucky my Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 preamp has two sets of unbalanced and balanced outputs so I didn't need to upgrade my preamp going with the balanced outputs which sounds better in my bi-amp system IMO.

Something to think about for down the road.



 

[paul79]

wirenut, good question!

If unbalanced is ok, and in a home for most applications, it very well should be, I have to recommend the NOS Valves NBS Preamplifier. This is a no bs preamp and is very true to the source. It can be configured any way you like also. MM/MC, with or without cathode follower for subs or pesky solid state amps, chose your coupling caps, etc....

This preamp lets it all through with no artifacts or extra sibilance to worry about. Just quiet, clean, and clear. This is not the preamp if you want to gloss over the sound. It's true sounding. How I think a preamp should be. This one fully decked out is well below your budget, and I'd be willing to bet beat any in the top end of your budget.

[WireNut]

In my case with my Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 preamp using no more then 3 foot interconnects, going from unbalanced outputs to balanced outputs in my bi-amp system
gave me more gain in balanced mode and more depth and much more authority. Something to think about for down the road.

Of course my 2 power amps and active crossover are true differential balanced as well.

[ralpheburns]

Hello again Circles!

I did pick up some more NOS tubes, and more about that later.  Still interested in what y'all have to say about a preamp; I'm been searching around for options.  Recall that my sole source is SoTM USB digital, and any preamp I get must have small-step remote volume control to fit my music library and lifestyle.  I have a wonderfully sounding Hegel P30 preamp for sale that does not have small remote volume steps.  I’m seeking a well-toned tube preamp that has articulate bass grip.  I also now have a library of DSD files so might consider replacing my PCM-only DAC in the process.  Here’s my current list of preamps and DAC+pre’s to audition:

Aesthestix Calypso Signature  (perhaps Callisto?)
Vinnie Rossie LIO, arriving in January.  Shootout planned then!
Audio Research REF5SE
Grace M905 DAC w/ volume
MSB Analog DAC w/ volume
Auralic Vega – DAC only

Here’s some others that haven’t made the short list but could:
Lampizator 4 w/ 64 step preamp.  But apparently requires manual DSD/PCM switching.
Allnic L3000 $12k 41 steps, 14 or 20db gain
Purity Reference 1db steps, $12.5k; also single-ended Foundation model coming soon
Balanced Audio Technology VK-33SE?  0.5db steps
Herron VTSP-3A(r02) - funny but a seller of this pointed me to the MSB Analog DAC.
Zesto Leto – TAD speakers with these sounded best of my short tour of RMAF.  Gaudy styling!
VTL TL5.5II?

Correct me if I’m wrong on any of these.  So many well-reputed preamps without any volume remote:
First Sounds
Lamm LL2.1 Deluxe $6K
Vacuum State
Thomas Mayer’s 10Y Linestage
Shindo

Other remote-controlled preamps are out because they do not have small steps:
Audio Horizon TP2.3 Linestage  (PCM only DAC?)
Cary
Atma-Sphere
Musica Bella
Music First Audio
Nagra Jaz
Prima Luna Dialogue Premium
Thoress
Audio Valve Eklipse; motorized Alps pot

[shadowlight]

Lampizator 4 w/ 64 step preamp.  But apparently requires manual DSD/PCM switching.
Thomas Mayer’s 10Y Linestage

My understanding on the Lampizator remote volume is that it will allow you change the dsd/pcm switching from the remote (yes it is still manual but you do not have to get out of your listening chair). 


I have been reading Thomas Mayer's Blog and he has added a Bent Audio Remote for one of his customers who had requested remote volume.  Link to Thomas Mayer's website where he talks about it.

[genjamon]

Tube Research Labs Dude preamp also uses the Bent volume control if you order with the remote option.  I think it has a 48 position stepped attenuator for the volume control, so might be fine enough control - sounds like similar level of steps to some of the other options being considered.  I'm not sure how large the volume increment for each step in dB, though.

[bixby]

not sure of the steps of the attenuator but take a look at the deHavilland Mercury 3 preamp with remote.  I have been using an Ultraverve for over 10 years and still love it.

[SteveFord]

I'm with Bixby - the deHavilland has the sound quality I prefer.  You might, too.

[ralpheburns]

The deHavilland Mercury 3 Preamplifier has a 32 step stepped attenuator... thinking that doesn't fit the bill.

[barrows]

If USB really is your only source, then skip the added complexity of a preamp, and get a tube DAC to achieve the tube sound you are looking for without the degradation of additional circuitry.  Aesthetix and Lampizator both can make tube DACs with volume controls, with your budget you should be able to pick up a really stellar DAC, and get better resolution at the same time by eliminating the preamp altogether.

[Quiet Earth]

I don't think a tube Dac with a passive volume control will have enough gusto to drive a Quicksilver amp and Sonus Faber Elipsas. I think that particular combination would sound a little bit wimpy and somewhat out of breath with a passive controlled source. The Quicksilver 88s are kind of a low sensitivity,  lowish gain amp. The Sonus Fabers are not exactly an easy load to drive. Perhaps they are somewhat medium efficiency? Put them together and I think you need an active preamp.

Passives work their very best with high gain amps and efficient, easy to drive speakers. I think an active preamp is what you need to make those Quicksilvers and Fabers come alive. I am a passive TVC user with high gain amps and high efficiency speakers. I recognize that there is a certain loss of dynamic control even under the best of conditions (for a passive volume control).

Get an active tube preamp. (That's what I'm finally doing.... Yay!)


Also, I don't really understand your volume control requirement. Do you really need 1 dB volume increments? It must be a computer audio thing that I don't have to deal with.