Hmm, $349 from what I’ve been able to find and in terms of performance it’s not shabby at all - probably measures better than most other tube preamps on the market. You should also be aware that where audio components are concerned, price has little bearing on performance.
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Now here’s where I leave the thread. ASR is not my cup of tea. Too much measuring and almost no listening.
Good luck with this conversation, it’s come full circle.
VK = Out. I need to go swap some tubes.
The only generalization I made is that if tube and SS gear are designed for low noise and distortion they will sound pretty much the same. I didn’t use my gear purchases as examples to prove anything. How does anything in my post deserve being blocked from this forum? The only negative thing I said was about the design aesthetic of an audio company, saying it was no longer to my taste.
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Hopefully we return to more musical tones soon.
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The trouble is with audio is that we are only guessing what is closest to what was intended that we are listening to. Put three speakers together at any price point and they will sound different. Mix in three different sets of amplifiers at each level and that’s a lot of variation. There is always going to be personal preference in there when choosing, that’s before equipment gets plonked in a room and eq’d to make up for it.
I guess the acid test is go to a recording studio and see how your system compares, unfortunately a lot of those mix differently.
Me? I go to a concert then see if my system captures the ‘bounce and energy’ if so alls good.
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I’m not really concerned how the artist or studio intended it to sound or be heard.
I listen to music I like and how I like it to sound, if that’s different to how it is intended then oh well.
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Last year I migrated to a valve amplifier for 2 channel listening. I’ve enjoyed the journey and tube rolling. In my experience the sound stage, separation, detailed of the mids, good low frequency response has been worth it, though not cheap.
I can use both KT-88 and EL-34 power tubes, 6SN7s and 6SL7s on the preamp side. Vinyl listening, SACD, CD and MQA via USB dac, beats my NAD amplifier.
I found that for my listening taste the following NOS valves: Mullard 6CA7 XF2, Sylvania 6SL7WGT brown base, Sylvania VT231 bad boys, RCA 5691 and 5692 are my favorite. I have SED 6550-C and SED EL-34, MELZ Russian tubes as well. I will keep my valve setup for years to come. I use for home theater listening an NAD T778 and very pleased with that receiver. If possible finding a dealer that will demo a valve system would be worthwhile before taking the journey. I didn’t have that opportunity but happy with the result.
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For what it’s worth, I’ve been very happy with the tube pre-amp, class A (-ish) solid state provided by the Schiit Freya+ and dual Aegirs. I’m (somewhat obviously) not a huge-budget or last cm of performance kind of guy, but I’ve truly enjoyed tube rolling, first in my headphone rig and now in my primary. In order to experience different “character” otherwise it’s required me to swap in components that are far more expensive and far riskier in terms of system synergy. This has been a great adventure, and I love the way the system works together with my KLH Model 5’s.
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Robert, it seems his post ruffled a few feathers as it’s been flagged and hidden.
We often disagree with each other here, but as long as it’s civil, I have no issue with opposing viewpoints. Personal insults are another matter.
It’s not that easy to get banned here. It’s a pretty tolerant forum. Tempers sometimes get frayed and allowances are made. You have to repeatedly misbehave and ignore moderation to get properly banned.
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident and I hope you’re making a good recovery. I’ve lost a few friends to motorcycle accidents over the years and others have sustained life-changing injuries. One of my late friends was a highly advanced and exceptionally skilled police motorcyclist - his skills bested those of the instructors in his region. Yet he lost his life on his job bike. Drivers of the 4 wheel and over variety need to be much more aware of those on 2 wheels…
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I’ve tube rolled in my hybrid integrated - despite the many recommendations; some tubes I liked, others I really disliked. I’m currently running Reflector 6H23N-EB tubes in the preamp stage. As a confirmed objectivist, I’m going to stay away from flowery audiophile verbiage.
Reflector Corp, Saratov: The Reflector Corp based in Saratov in Russia made some of the best Russian military types. Reflector has built large thyratrons as well as signal valves with most of its production going to the Russian government. All items are original Military sourced items and therefore offer superb build and sound quality.
The Reflector 6H23N-EB is a Russian super premium 6922 that was made for the Russian military. The valve was designed to be immune to shock and vibration and these valves were internally ruggedized. So this gives the valve the lowest microphoney of any 6922 type.
Subjectively, I find them very neutral with good soundstage width and depth. I’ve had other valves that did weird stuff with the soundstage - it was all at the top of the room and others that sounded aggressive and harsh.
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I used to only use military valves. Quiet and reliable and a great tone.
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I like both valve and SS amps, it’s a tool to do a job in the end.
Here’s my lovely sounding bodged up 2 watt type 45 amp 
But I also have…
First Watt F4 (SS amp)
Sony TA-5650 (SS amp)
Bedini 25/25 (SS amp)
Border Patrol 300B (valve/tube)
Radford STA15 (valve/tube)
I’m a compulsive box swapper but keep what sounds good to me, I’m sure ASR would say they measure horribly but they all sound good to me.
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You going to make me do it aren’t you?
I sense a tube Phonostage on the event horizon…
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Oh that’s a whole rabbit hole of fun or horror.
Don’t know if they are available in the US but the PureSound P10 is a fantastic stepping off point for tube based phono. It uses an ecc83/12ax7 and 6922 which are great for rolling.
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Did you read my mind?
I was looking at one of those icon models on Usaudiomart 
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Is that an Icon Audio, great stuff but quite expensive?
doh… you said it in your post
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Hey looking up that site isn’t going to cost me at all.
Super glad I’m inquisitive.
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It is highly rated and looks like it’s from the 70s-of course I knew you would like it haha.
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Yup, I think I share with @AceRimmer by letting someone else take the hit then getting it second hand.
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