Odyssey
Odyssey Candela Tube Pre Amp
Best tube preamplifier for audiophiles seeking warm, high-fidelity sound.
Experience superior audio with the Odyssey Candela Tube Pre Amp. This high-fidelity preamplifier boasts a Class-A, zero-feedback tube design for exceptional sound quality. It features a "Current Source Loaded Grounded Cathode Amplifier" topology and ultra-fast "Stealth" Diodes for clean power rectification. The silver finish unit includes a relay-controlled input selector and comes complete with two Raytheon 12AU7 tubes, power cord, and original packaging. Rated 8/10 condition, it's ready to elevate your listening experience.
$999.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
19
/ 274
#19 in Signal Processors
Price vs Category Average
-93%
Below average
Gain
14
/ dB
Who it's for
- System builders needing flexible connectivity for diverse audio setups
- Audiophiles seeking a rich, classic analog sound signature
- Budget-conscious listeners wanting high-end performance without the premium price
Who should skip it
- Purists demanding absolute silence for critical, low-volume listening
- Users preferring low-maintenance, set-and-forget audio equipment
- Listeners with cramped, poorly ventilated equipment racks
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
Zero-feedback design preserves the natural texture and nuance of your recordings.
Signal Integrity
Stealth diodes ensure a clean, noise-free power floor for delicate signals.
Component Quality
Alps potentiometer and premium Raytheon tubes offer reliable, high-fidelity performance.
System Integration
HT bypass and low output impedance make this an easy system addition.
Build Robustness
Solid construction and substantial weight reflect a serious, well-engineered audio component.
Operational Simplicity
Relay-controlled inputs provide a tactile, straightforward experience for daily listening.
Key Specs
Gain
14dB
Frequency Response
10Hz – 50kHz
Input Impedance
47 kOhm
Preamplifier Output Impedance
<2 kOhm
Dimensions
18" W x 8" D x 4" H
Weight
>16 lbs
Circuit Type
Tube (Class-A single-ended)
Connectors
RCA type inputs & output
Features
- Class-A, zero-feedback tube design
- HT Bypass capability
- Relay-controlled input selection
- High-quality Alps potentiometer
- Includes Raytheon 12AU7 tubes
- Low output impedance
- Fully tested and functional
- Original packaging included
What customers say
The Odyssey Candela Tube Pre Amp earns high praise for its exceptional sonic performance, delivering a profoundly musical, warm, and engaging sound. Listeners consistently note its ability to create a vast, three-dimensional soundstage with precise instrument placement. Beyond the audio quality, the build quality reflects Odyssey's excellent craftsmanship. The core theme centers on its extraordinary value proposition. Many audiophiles feel the Candela's performance rivals or surpasses much more expensive preamplifiers, establishing it as a category leader. While tube gear requires occasional adjustments, overall satisfaction remains extremely high due to its reference-level delivery.
Know before you buy
A zero-feedback design avoids using negative feedback loops, which can sometimes make audio sound sterile or compressed. In the Candela, this results in a more natural, open, and dynamic soundstage that feels closer to a live performance.
Yes, the Candela features HT Bypass capability. This allows you to pass a signal from your home theater processor directly to your power amplifier, letting you use your high-quality stereo speakers for both music and movies without re-cabling.
The 12AU7 is a very common tube type, making it easy to find replacements or experiment with different brands to fine-tune the sound to your preference. The unit is designed for standard maintenance, so tube rolling is straightforward.
The low output impedance of under 2 kOhm ensures that the preamplifier can easily drive a wide variety of power amplifiers without losing signal quality or high-frequency detail. It provides a stable, clean signal path regardless of the cable length or amplifier input sensitivity.
Yes, relay-controlled switching is generally superior to mechanical rotary switches. It provides a more reliable, low-resistance connection that prevents signal degradation and oxidation issues over time, ensuring your audio signal remains pure.
This unit is rated 8/10, meaning it is in excellent condition with only minor signs of use. It has been fully tested to ensure all functions, including the Alps potentiometer and input relays, operate exactly as intended.
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$1000