Pre amp for Krell FPB & Teac P-70 & D-70??


Hi everyone,
since many of You are so versed in this hobby
- i ask Your advice!
I search a line preamp for my system.
I can't say i am all keen on tube amps & pre amps,
ofcourse i could always reconsider!
So anyone,
suggestions for a great (line) transistor pre amp
(or tube)??
My system includes:
Krell FPB 600C
and
Teac/Esoteric P-70 & D-70.
I use a protype speaker,
close resemblance to Kharma midi grand or Avalon Eidolon.
Speakerwire is fixed and interconnect and digital cables is high resolution silver cables.
They sound close to Nordost better cables!
Only say they are used by Abby Road Studios, among others!
If we could exclude any cable discussion in this,
it would be great!
Cd/ digital pre - is further connected to
a mainstransformer and i use highgrade powercords.
Sounds Designs, audiophile weight matched feets for monitor and bass modules.

So, i will try to explain what i think is the problem!
Sound tends to become somewhat a little anemic
and i think overly analytic/ a little on the cold/dry side!
Mainly You become focused to detailed listening,
which somehow distracts You from the overall experience!
I want more of a fuller and warmer sound, loads of attack!
The system reacts instanly and to a too extreme extent,
(- i dare say it become so in the long run!)
at the quality of the recording/mixing!
I feel some of the analog sense is a little lost here!
Again, i wish to add warmth & body for mid
and bass could be fuller and more extended,
aswell as giving more attack!

Thanks for looking into this matter!
128x128inpieces
I have heard the Hovland tube preamp mated with the Krell power amps more then enough. That is the combination that I would go with if I had a Krell power amp.

Happy Listening.
You might want to try the Krell KCT preamp with your FPB600c. Part of my system consists of Krell's KPS28c and Accuphase's DP-75V for redbook CDs and an Esoteric DV-50 for SACD and DVD-Audio playback through an FPB700cx. Best sound I've experienced in my listening room! Happy hunting....
Ok, thank You guys!
As You are on - i might aswell ask You!
Any experience with the B.A.T. pre amps, such as VK 5i,
VK 31 and 51SE?
Or why not the VK-30 & 40 (transistor)!!
I second the Krell KCT preamp since you have the 600c amp and the 28c CD player. And if you don't want to spend a ton of money on interconnects definitely go with the Krell CAST cables. This combo is terrific.
Been there and done the KCT with the Krell 600 and 750. I might also suggest you pick up a Transparent Pixl to plug your amp into to fix the analytic/dry/thin sound you are describing. It takes the 600 to another level entirely more refined, rounded, warmer and more liquid. Reeds and wood instruments have more body and roundedness. It calms down the slightly aggressive sound of the Krell to make it sound like a 600 watt triode amp. very very nice.

Also, as I did try the KCT with the FPB750 mcx I would suggest that with the sound your are complaining about it would be the absolute wrong preamp. I'd go for a VTL 7.5 or 5.5 (maybe a little noisy) and never look back which has balanced outputs unlike some other preamps that run tubes. I don't know if the Hovland outputs balanced but the use of an adapter would interfere with the purity of the signal.

At least try to pixl first. I believe you can find them used for around $1k. I'd reckon a comment that anyone who has a 600 and hasn't had one on it has not heard what the big Krell can do.

I would strongly suggest a tubed preamp also for the sound you're looking for as well. I have heard the BAT pres which are extremely good and have balanced outs but think the VTL would be more of what you're looking for based on your comments. The BAT's which use supertubes can lean towards a very solid state sound themselves.