Budget preamp shopping!

[Freewillisdead112]

Huh, Is the Audible Illusions a tube? Cuz thats all they have on the gon list. I'll check out the adcom and see what i find!

[JoeE SP9]

Yes it is tubed. So are the Conrad Johnson and Audio Research. My SP-9 is a hybrid with a tubed input and phono stage and FET output. The CJ is tubes from start to finish. Of the preamps I've mentioned the CJ has more of a signature tube sound than the others. CJ gear has sometimes been called "Golden" sounding. I suppose that goes along with the front panel color.

The preamps I've mentioned all have a couple of things in common.
1. No tone controls.
2. No remote.
3. Superior sound.

They are the kind of gear that when paired with appropriate stuff need no tone controls or equalizer.

[Freewillisdead112]

Yes it is tubed. So are the Conrad Johnson and Audio Research. My SP-9 is a hybrid with a tubed input and phono stage and FET output. The CJ is tubes from start to finish. Of the preamps I've mentioned the CJ has more of a signature tube sound than the others. CJ gear has sometimes been called "Golden" sounding. I suppose that goes along with the front panel color.

The preamps I've mentioned all have a couple of things in common.
1. No tone controls.
2. No remote.
3. Superior sound.

They are the kind of gear that when paired with appropriate stuff need no tone controls or equalizer.

I have been wanting to try tube, and alot of people have had great results with tubes and t-amps. Would tubes help tone down bright music, as I am a glorified metal head and the music is just so bright. I would figure without tone control things would be more mellow aye? But also more pure!

Now what the heck am I gunna do about CDP? If i am spending 700-800 for amp and pre whats a realistic spending on a cdp? Would it be smart to pick up the oppo dvd and a cheap dac or just a better cd player? I have-ith the slightest clue!

[JoeE SP9]

Mr. Peabody and frenchmon both have very good things to say about the Emotive ERCD-1 CDP. Their findings are good enough to seriously consider one
In most cases tubes will ameliorate that high frequency glare. However, in many cases it's also exacerbated by inexpensive CDP's in the first place. In other words, a good CDP may get rid of the HF glare.
A good tube preamp can still make the overall sound better even if you have a CDP that doesn't enhance glare.