[doug s.]

i had some pretty decent s/s preamps before i went tubular.  electrocompaniet ec-1a, then linn kairn.  these were really nice.  but the melos ma333r i ended up with was more like real music, in comparison.  that said, i can't say all tube preamps are the real thing.  i would choose either the linn or the ec over rogue magnum 99, cary slp98 or audio research sp9mkll, the pre's i auditioned in my system before i found the melos.  (this was ~15 years ago; i had it modded a few years back and it's still in my system; new preamps are one component i really don't have much interest in auditioning...    )

doug s.

[Mass. Wine Guy]

My audio terrain is the low end of high end. I can't afford tube or very high end gear.

[doug s.]

My audio terrain is the low end of high end. I can't afford tube or very high end gear.

i have never tried this preamp, but i have heard good things about them, especially w/a bit of judicious tube rolling.  and, finding them for $400 or even less, is not uncommon, especially if you look for a used iteration.  a bud of mine had one, and he a-b'd it with a respected vtl tl5.5, and actually preferred the dared.  and, the ambitious can replace a couple of caps for even better results.

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Dared-SL-2000A-pure-tube-preamp-USB-DAC-module-/260676496950
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1291068538&/New-Dared-Sl-2000a-Pure-Tube-p
(same seller)


doug s.

[flintstone]

I have an Adcom GFA 535 II in my computer system, and a Monarchy M-24 tube DAC/Preamp.........sounds great IMO. I agree with the wait, and listen first advice.


Dave

[doug s.]

even tho you really need to by amp immediately,    you really should wait to give your new speakers a good listen w/your present gear before changing any other gear like amps/preamps...

doug s.

[Mass. Wine Guy]

I plan to wait a while. Silverline's site says the Minuets can be driven nicely with as little as 25w/channel.