1090 with tube preamp???

[doodleboytoy]

I am toying with the idea of using a tube pre-amp with 1090 amp for B&W 803 speakers.

Anybody tried such a set-up? How does Rotel SS Amp with tubes sound? I heard people using Antem amp to drive tube pre amps but never rotel. What tube pre would match with Rotel amps best?

[Matt Sprouls]

I have been listening the last couple of days to a Conrad Johnson PV14L pre-amp driving a Rotel RMB-1095. I think it sounds great. I currently have an Anthem AVM20 for pre-amp.

I may not be convinced that it is worth the extra cost, but it is a better more relaxed sound. Conrad Johnson has processor pass-through allowing for very easy integration to a HT setup.

I have also been listening to a Conrad Johnson MF2500 amp. It sounds very nice also, again a more relaxed sound. The more I compare amplifiers to the Rotel the more I see the value in Rotel, huge bang for the buck. You do have to spend a lot more money to get improvements in sound.

Regards,
Matt

[doodleboytoy]

I am contemplating on trying out Rogue tube pre-amp with the 1090. It retails for around $1,500 so still affordable. I am not ready to spend a whole lot on the Conrad for marginal musical improvements he he he. Anybody tried other brands?

[dave]

I've paired a VTL-2.5 with my 1095 and a 1066 is used between them. When listening to music I run my front channels in stereo and use my center and rears for ambiance. The VTL is not as warm as the CJ but rather a combination of tube warmth and solid state clarity. Im using nos mullard tubes that give me a very smooth flat response. This combination gives me a much fuller sound sound field with stunning realism. Hope this helps,,, Dave.............

[doodleboytoy]

That is kinda my plan too. Use 1090 to power fronts then 1055 in between and tube pre for stereo music.

Was thinking of using rigue 66 or 88 pre-amp.

Seems though that not too many people use a tube pre with rotel from the number of replies

[Tapesh]

I am using Antique sound labs AQ2004DT. Its primitive but good enough to get you started at $300.00.

I am using it with my RB-1090. Using Magnepan MMGs and Polk Lsi9, actually still testing to see which ones to keep.

Not a qualified Audiophile to comment but for me its working out pretty well. Don’t have SS Pre-Amp so cant say if its better or not. Tried my Denon AVR-3300 with RB-1090 it wasn’t good enough.

Thanks

Tapesh