All Tube Preamps

Product Strengths

• The Freya+ offers a balanced design with XLR inputs and outputs, a 128-stepped attenuator, and dual single-ended outputs
• Multiple reviews mention its versatility due to its three distinct circuit configurations—passive, solid state, and tube—effectively functioning as three preamplifiers in one
• The Freya+ excels at accurately reproducing the natural timbre of instruments, offering a transparent, clear, and ultra-resolved sound across the entire musical range
• Reviewers highlight the improved features over previous models, including a better remote control, upgraded chassis, and a redesigned tube stage that lowers the noise floor
• Connectivity options with XLR inputs and outputs, a 128-stepped attenuator, and dual single-ended outputs

Product Considerations

• Several reviewers mention the tiny and cryptic labels on the front panel controls and remote, making them difficult to see and requiring memorization or constant reference to the manual
• Some find the remote control's volume adjustments to be too sensitive, making minimal incremental changes difficult
• The placement of the power switch on the back of the unit is inconvenient
• The unit gets hot in active tube mode

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Schiit Saga+, the Freya+ includes a FET buffered passive output or active tube amplification, and more inputs/outputs
• Compared to the Rotel RC-1572 MKII, the Freya+ has a clear edge due to bigger, more three-dimensional sound, and more dynamically engaging sound with Freya's tube mode engaged

Takeaway: The Schiit Freya+ is a versatile preamplifier with multiple modes and flexible connectivity, offering great sound quality. It provides an accessible way to explore tube amplification with added convenience.

Product Strengths

• Stunning build quality and beautiful aesthetics, with thoughtful design details evident throughout
• Uses high-quality components like toroidal power transformers, tube rectification (5AR4 tubes), and Nichicon capacitors, contributing to a quiet and high-performing preamp
• Offers a luscious, smooth, and well-layered midrange, enhancing vocal and instrumental textures
• Provides a sense of spaciousness and a three-dimensional soundstage, creating a more immersive listening experience
• Offers adjustable settings for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, including selectable input impedance for MC cartridges and input capacitance for MM cartridges

Product Considerations

• Relatively high output impedance (2800 ohms) requires careful matching with a power amplifier having an input impedance at least ten times higher
• Only has one set of inputs, which could be a drawback for users with multiple turntables or tonearms
• Lacks balanced XLR outputs and a mono switch, which some users might miss
• The MM stage may pair better with brighter sounding MM cartridges
• The unit generates heat due to the tubes

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs ModWright PH 9.0—the PrimaLuna EVO 100 Phonostage is the warmer, more organic sounding phono stage, excelling at presenting a comparatively more layered midband, remaining unflustered when complex passages occur, and remaining sweet in the top octaves
• The ModWright PH 9.0X presents dense rock and pop recordings in a stable, lively manner with tighter, punchier bass, and equally extended low frequencies

Takeaway: The PrimaLuna EVO 100 is a well-crafted tube preamplifier that brings a rich and engaging sound to vinyl playback, boasting top-notch parts and components. It enhances the sound of music and provides a warm tube experience.

Product Strengths

• Excels at recreating inner detail of recordings and extracting delicacy and subtle nuances of instruments
• Reproduces perfectly placed holographic images with body and life on a wide, deep soundstage
• It is a reference-quality phono preamplifier that would feel at home in a system of any price
• Combines excellent engineering comprehension and plenty of creativity with the good judgment needed to design high value and highly reliable products
• Sound is neutral, very quiet, very dynamic, and very dimensional

Product Considerations

• Tonal balance can exhibit classic 'tubey' colorations, including laid-back extreme high frequencies and an overly round midbass
• Midbass thickness might be bothersome depending on the recording
• The reviewer had to bypass the volume control on the black version of the EAR Yoshino with volume control

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The EAR Yoshino produces more holographic body of images and room sound, but the Vendetta Research SP-2C has superior clarity and less coloration
• The EAR Yoshino is smoother and has less grain, compared to the phono stage of conrad-johnson PV10a preamp
• EAR Yoshino pulls almost as much space and rolling bass slam out of a disc as does the Vacuum State Research reference preamp
• The EAR Yoshino in the midrange of the receiver is competitive with the phono section of the NAGRA PL-P

Takeaway: The EAR Yoshino is a well-designed tube component that delivers high value for the dollar based on its performance and is easy to use. It provides enjoyment and connection to the music, making it worth the investment.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional build quality with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality parts, reflecting Swiss manufacturing excellence
• Natural, insightful, and transparent sound is delivered, revealing a stunning amount of detail with delicacy and precision
• A holographic and three-dimensional soundstage is created with impressive imaging capabilities
• Refined and musical sound, with excellent dynamic expression and rhythmic coherence
• High-quality headphone amplifier circuit, offering a top-notch headphone listening experience

Product Considerations

• Compared to rivals, it may lack ultimate muscle and scale in sound, especially with inefficient speakers or in large rooms
• The plastic remote control may not match the premium feel of the unit itself
• The front panel display could be improved, especially regarding off-axis contrast levels

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Kinki Studio EXM-1: The Kinki Studio EXM-1 has a similar 'Swiss sound signature' and offers 80-85% of Nagra's performance
• Vs Nagra Jazz: The Classic edges out the Jazz in brilliance, power, separation and definition, Jazz sounds warmer, softer and fuzzier around the edges

Takeaway: The Nagra Classic preamplifier and amplifier offer a refined listening experience with detail and imaging. Their build quality and musicality may make them a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking an end-game audio solution.

Product Strengths

• Wide and deep soundstage
• Remarkably realistic tonal balance, octave to octave, rendering tonality and texture with remarkable accuracy, substance, and faithfulness across the entire audio spectrum
• Simple loading options, with impedance values selected by a front panel rotary switch, avoiding DIP switches
• Gain switch on the front (0 dB, -6 dB and -12 dB) allows matching other sources or using the preamp the way you want
• Very quiet operation—low noise floor

Product Considerations

• Mono/stereo switch is located on the back panel, which can be inconvenient
• Some reviewers found the overall fit and finish to have an industrial feel rather than swish and silky
• Less 'plug 'n' play' than most, seemingly favouring low-to-mid output MCs

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Allnic Audio H-1202 Phono Stage—the PH 9.0 performs comparatively well and is less expensive
• Vs ModWright PH 150 Reference—customers are getting 90% of the performance of the PH 150 for less

Takeaway: The PH 9.0 is a gifted phono stage with beautifully detailed sounds from all dynamic levels and enough gain for any cartridge. It offers great sound and adaptability, making it a remarkable audiophile deal.

Product Strengths

• Exceptionally versatile, it handles up to three cartridges of either MM or MC design
• All the parameters can be set in real-time from the listening position through the remote control
• Quiet to the point of silent in operation
• Delivers silky, beautiful, and extended high frequencies without fatigue

Product Considerations

• Some reviewers may find some of the features superfluous (different EQ curves, mono function)
• May require some expertise to optimize settings for specific cartridges and systems
• Requires space for ventilation

Takeaway: The Lab12 Melto2 is an easy-to-own and use phono preamplifier with great music-making abilities that offers exceptional sound quality and versatile features. It has a distinctively organic sound, with enough analog warmth that will captivate tube lovers.

Product Strengths

• Cool style harking back to the glory days of hifi, especially in silver
• Expansive and liquid sound
• Design is tactile and old school with physical metal switches and knobs
• Ability to really swing with the music

Product Considerations

• The mute switch may be unnecessary, as the remote can be used for muting
• There is no mono switch
• Limited to the first 1/3 of the volume range
• The user's manual may lack sufficient information about phase inversion and tube replacement

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Schiit Audio Freya +, the Cary is in another league
• Compared to the Nagra Classic, the Cary is warmer, fuller, and bigger sounding
• Factor into this buying equation that Cary Audio pre and power amps are the equal of comparative models from Audio Research and McIntosh

Takeaway: The Cary Audio SLP-05 Pre Amplifier and CAD-120S MkII amplifier possess a quality essential to great, classic audio components—soul. For "THAT" tube sound, Cary Audio makes some of the most lovely tube gear around.

Product Strengths

• Smooth sound that is easy to listen to without fatigue
• Palpable presence, making voices and instruments seem tangible within the soundstage
• Excellent bass performance, with strong, controlled, and deep bass
• The built-in headphone amplifier is of high quality
• Flexible connectivity with both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs and outputs

Product Considerations

• Some reviewers noted clicking sounds during volume adjustments, which is a known characteristic of the unit's volume control
• The volume knob's haptic feedback might feel rough to some users
• One reviewer found the all-black styling less appealing

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The BHK has more impact, authority, and grand sound than the McIntosh C70, the instrument separation and the vocals were fuller and articulate

Takeaway: The PS Audio BHK Signature Preamplifier is a well-built, flexible, and great sounding piece of audio gear. Its smooth sound and great bass response make it a good choice for someone looking to improve their listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Feature-packed with useful features, including switches for balanced/single-ended output, phase, impedance, high/low-pass filtering, cartridge type, stereo/mono, and inputs
• Offers a wide choice of settings for cartridge type and gain adjustment to fine-tune the balance between the phono stage and preamp circuitry
• Build quality is high with solid casework and precision switches
• Quiet operation with low background hiss due to carefully considered electrical internals and extensive shielding
• Delivers class-leading levels of detail in an unforced and natural manner

Product Considerations

• The manual assumes comfort with setting up and fine-tuning an analog rig
• Number of settings and tubed gain-stage options in the Luxman is dizzying—making for the probability of a long break-in time
• It takes time to optimize and isn't plug and play
• Demands a top-class record player, as well as suitably talented amplification and speakers
• It is a touch wider than the standard full-size width, something to keep in mind when choosing a place for it to sit

Takeaway: The EQ-500 is beautifully made and a pleasure to use, providing refined and insightful sound. This product could be worth buying if you are looking for a top-class phono stage for a talented system.

Product Strengths

• The Leben RS28CX preamplifier musically outperforms all other phono stages encountered.
• The Leben RS28CX is always musically expressive, like real life.
• Strings are full of life-like detail, tone color is exceptional, and there's an addictive sparkle throughout the high frequencies.
• The Leben RS28CX is a Swiss Army Knife of preamplifiers, working well with a wide variety of electronics and bringing out their best.
• The sound of the Leben is utterly lucid across the entire frequency spectrum, with an extremely low noise level.

Product Considerations

• It is recommended to request Allen head screws instead of Phillips, as the Phillips screws are soft and the heads easily deform.
• To minimize noise problems, a careful estimate of the mass points and an exemplar manufacture are needed.
• However, the employed circuits and the intentional lack of a counter reaction do not surely go towards the direction of avoiding the hisses.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• RS-28CX vs RS-100: If you are a SET amp user, your amp is low-powered, or have inefficient loudspeakers, even if you do not play vinyl, the RS28CX will likely be a better choice than RS-100, but for Leben amplifiers the RS-100 may be as suitable for digital-only users.
• Vs Kondo: It is still not quite Kondo, but the difference narrows a little.
• Comparison with AN Kit MM Phonostage and Softone/ICL Model 4: Used with the Denon AU-1000 SUT, the sound of the Leben RS-28CX phonostage is decidedly superior to either high-value phonoamps.

Takeaway: The Leben RS28CX is a well-crafted preamplifier that brings out the best in music. It works well with different kinds of audio setups and helps to deliver a natural, life-like sound.

Product Strengths

• Delivers a warm, engaging, and detailed sound signature
• Compatible with both MM and MC cartridges, making it versatile for different turntables
• Features adjustable impedance and capacitance settings for optimal cartridge matching
• Fully discrete circuit design avoids the use of OpAmps
• Offers tube rolling capabilities to customize the sound

Product Considerations

• Adjusting impedance and capacitance settings involves using dip switches on the bottom, which can be inconvenient
• Limited to ECC83 tubes and their direct equivalents for tube rolling
• The chassis rings and may benefit from damping sheets to reduce vibrations
• Soundstage doesn't expand as much vertically and horizontally, compared to other preamps

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs. Denon AVR-2802's built-in phono preamp, the Tube Box S2 offers better bass, more defined detail, a wider soundstage, and cleaner timbral presence
• Vs. Rega Fono Mini A2D, the Tube Box S2 adds more warmth and character
• Vs. Cambridge Audio Alva Duo, it is more fun and engaging
• Vs. Rega Phono Mk5, the Pro-Ject is warmer with richer bass and smooth sonics, while the Rega is more detailed and transparent

Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 is a versatile tube phono preamp that brings warmth and detail to vinyl playback, making it a great option for enhancing the listening experience. With adjustable settings and tube rolling, one can fine-tune the sound to match their system and preferences.

Product Strengths

• Allows the user to immediately hear differences when introducing new components into the system.
• Superb soundstaging with impressive width, depth, layering, and instrument placement, which requires very low noise.
• Does not have the treble or transient hotness that can be fatiguing, providing a transparent and enjoyable listening experience.
• Improved clarity and intelligibility with dynamic punch and low-frequency shape without any hardness or glare.
• Excellent switching capabilities for users with multiple sources, being an excellent switch/volume control/impedance matcher.

Product Considerations

• The upgrade cost from the REF 6 to the REF 6SE might be an important consideration, especially as the exterior design remains largely the same.
• Differences between the Ref 6 SE and DACs with quality digital volume controls are reported as microscopic.
• A review mentioned a different THD (total harmonic distortion) between the right and left channels in the 6SE chassis, but stated that both were still within ARC's specifications.
• The replacement of the beautifully made, solid-aluminum remote handset, with a plastic knockoff that feels unsuited to a preamp at this price point was noted.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to lower-priced preamps, the Ref 6 SE was more revealing.

Takeaway: The Audio Research REF 6 SE is a high-end preamplifier that excels in revealing the nuances of an audio system, offering a transparent and natural sound. Its ability to function as a high-quality switch for multiple sources makes it a worthwhile consideration for audiophiles with complex setups.