Tube Preamp Reviews

Audio Research Reference Two preamplifier

Michael Fremer Sep 19, 2000 First Published: Sep 19, 2000

Audio Research's first 21st-century, audiophile-quality line-stage preamplifier combines retro-tech vacuum-tube amplification and power-supply circuitry with innovative, remote-controlled gain, balance, tape monitoring, and signal routing. The price is also 21st-century: $9995. As in ARC's Reference phono section, the Reference Two's pair of vertically mounted circuit boards results in a single, relatively tall chassis.

Tube Preamp Reviews

Blue Circle BC3 Galatea line-level preamplifier

Chip Stern Aug 10, 2000 First Published: Aug 10, 2000

Ideally, through the medium of a synergistically balanced set of high-resolution components, we seek to re-create an acoustic event with a palpable sense of realism—as in timbre, dynamics, room cues, and dimensionality. Have I ever experienced a system commensurate with the experience of sitting 12th-row-center at Carnegie Hall for Boulez conducting Stravinsky? Close, but...

Tube Preamp Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews

Herron Audio VTSP-1 preamplifier & VTPH-1MC phono preamplifier

Michael Fremer Mar 19, 2000 First Published: Mar 19, 2000

This is an era in which products and websites are "launched," but in the past two years Herron Audio has sort of oozed its way into the public ear. With little visible promotion or splashy advertising, Herron is now spoken of within an ever-widening audiophile circle.

J. Gordon Holt Tube Preamp Reviews

Audio Research SP-3 preamplifier

J. Gordon Holt Dec 22, 1998 First Published: Dec 01, 1971

We thought Audio Research's previous-model SP-2C (footnote 1) was excellent, but this is even better—the closest thing available, in fact, to the ideal straight wire with gain. Our sample had a minor glitch—there was a slight "plop" if you rotated the tone controls rapidly—but we could find nothing else about it to criticize. Currently, by far the best preamplifier than money can buy. And would you believe it uses tubes (at reduced heater voltage, for extended life and cooler operation)!

Tube Preamp Reviews

Conrad-Johnson ART Preamplifier

Wes Phillips May 15, 1998 First Published: May 15, 1998

Almost two years ago, Conrad-Johnson's Lew Johnson came to Santa Fe while visiting his western dealers. We were chatting about acquaintances in the industry as I showed him the new house I'd barely moved into when he spread a blueprint across a stack of record boxes and showed me a design for a new product.

Tube Preamp Reviews

Nagra PL-P preamplifier

Jonathan Scull Jan 03, 1998 First Published: Jan 03, 1998

One memorable afternoon during HI-FI '97, Kathleen and my pudgy little self were hustling down the crowded corridors of San Francisco's venerable St. Francis Hotel, trying to make the Nagra press event. The Nagra suite was crowded with buzzing journalists, their anticipation palpable—the new Nagra PL-P preamplifier was about to enjoy its official debut. Suddenly the door to the demo room flew open. The vacuum created by the stampeding hordes nearly sucked the hors d'oeuvres off the table.

Tube Preamp Reviews

Sonic Frontiers Line 2 line preamplifier

Kalman Rubinson Dec 09, 1997 First Published: Dec 09, 1997

In just a few years, Sonic Frontiers has evolved from a parts and kit vendor to a full-line audio manufacturer (footnote 1). Their initial offerings were well received, but their kit origins were apparent in the layout and cosmetics of their products. While SF still offers kits (like their high-value Assemblage DAC-2), the new line of vacuum-tube electronics has world-class construction, design, and packaging. This generation of SF equipment is evidence of their advanced evolution, even though their constructor genome can be detected in the use of audiophile-preferred, as opposed of OEM, components.

Tube Preamp Reviews

Convergent Audio Technology SL-1 preamplifier

Anthony H. Cordesman, Various Nov 10, 1996 First Published: Nov 10, 1986

It takes more than passing courage to make another assault on building the world's best tube preamplifier. You face stiff competition from well-established firms like Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, and Counterpoint. Such units can't be made inexpensively, and you face the steadily growing problem of tube supply: it is getting harder and harder to get tubes that are stable, have predictable sound and performance characteristics, and are long-lived. And you have to show audiophiles who have been burned before that you will still be around when they need service.

Tube Preamp Reviews

Musical Fidelity X-10D line-level preamplifier

Sam Tellig, Various Nov 06, 1996 First Published: Nov 06, 1996

"Musical Fidelity X-10D" it said on the box. No, this is not bathtub mildew remover or laundry detergent. Actually, it's hard to figure out exactly what it is. The box is little help. Musical Fidelity calls the X-10D "the missing link," a "pure Class A CD-player accessory."

Tube Preamp Reviews

Audible Illusions Modulus 3A preamplifier

Michael Fremer Feb 19, 1996 First Published: Feb 19, 1996

What a thankless task! No, not reviewing audio equipment (though the case could be made). I'm talking about preamplification in the digital age: who needs it? The EAD DSP 9000 MK3 digital processor I'm using includes an ingenious full-resolution digital-domain volume control accessible by remote control.