Tube Preamp Reviews

Analog sources: Rega Planar 25 turntable, Rega RB600 tonearm, Grado Statement Master cartridge, Marantz PMD430 portable cassette recorder.
Digital sources: California Audio Labs Delta transport, Alpha 24-bit/96kHz DAC, CL-20 DVD/CD player; Sony SCD-777ES SACD/CD player.
Preamplifiers: Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista, VTL TL-5.5, Rogue Audio Stealth phono.
Power amplifiers: Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 300, Mesa Baron, VTL MB-450, Rogue Magnum M-120 monoblock.
Loudspeakers: Joseph Audio RM33si Signature & RM7si Signature, Meadowlark Hot Rod Shearwater.
Cables: Interconnect: Acoustic Zen Silver Reference (balanced, single-ended, coaxial). Speaker: Acoustic Zen Hologram. AC: JPS Labs Aluminata, Kaptovator, Kaptovator Power AC Outlet Centers; Synergistic Research Designer's Reference² Master Couplers, with and without Active Shielding; Acoustic Zen Gargantua.
Accessories: Equi=Tech 2Q Balanced AC Power System, Monster Cable AVS 2000 Automatic Voltage Stabilizer, PolyCrystal equipment racks and amp stand, Ringmat 330 and Signal Guard II Isolation Stand (turntable), Shakti Stones, PolyCrystal cones, Argent RoomLenses, Echo Busters Bass Busters and Absorptive and Diffusive Panels.—Chip Stern