2. amps-preamps
  3. 128810-1642

Specific Pre-Amp advice


I would really like to get some help from the Forum. Late 2017 early 2018 I am getting a new pre-amp. My options to hear gear are low (common issue). Probably be buying blind which I have done in the past in conjunction with research. Here is the run down. 

Budget: 2500 possibly pushed to 3k. Looking for used gear (pretty much ruling out new).

1. I am leaning heavily toward a tube pre.
2. I would like a remote but its not a deal breaker if it gets me better SQ
3. Line stage only. Don't really need a phono stage as I have a stand alone
4. It needs to be active. 
5. Feeding SS amp with 100k input impedance 
6. Primary used with Vinyl front end. Would like it to handle three sources. (Radio, Dac/CD and Input for TT)
7. 2 channel only no pass through needed or wanted. 
8. Single Ended RCA Connection. My amp does not have true balance connections 

Current System 

VPI Prime 
SS Aida Cart
MS Nova Phomoma 
Exposure 17
Exposure Dual Reg 4
Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grands 

I am looking to get more resolution. A more liquid sound. Bigger soundstage and get more of the recording space into my room. 

My preference is for an open/transparent neutral sound slightly tipped to the warm side in the highs. Slight roll off maybe. I like a fast quick musical sound with tight quick bass. Not looking for tube romance or rounded bass. I absolutely would like to stay away from bright sounding gear. Also super etched is not to my thing. I fall in the musicality camp. 

Any suggestions that would help me achieve this sound would be appreciated. These qualities defiantly take system matching into account. Pretty happy right now but I think I can do better.



darkstar1
jperry
1,408 posts
 
An Aesthetix Calypso is in your price range
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
Darkstar, you might want to check out Manley Labs Jumbo Shrimp ($2500 used with remote $3800 new) would be an incredible addition to your system then you can get rid of that Nova for a Chinook( do your Prime justice) ,down the road (night and day difference). Talk about adding tubes!  I use this front end and the results are sublime indeed. Also, I like the Modwright SWL 9.0 I heard they made a new updated one? The original sounds very nice. They make one of the best Phono stages as well.

Matt M
bigkidz
1,784 posts
 
"Khozmo were the absolute superior in any passive preamp."  Unless you use TVC or auto formers that is!

Get a Counterpoint SA-2000 and send it to me for upgrades.  It then will sound better that anything mentioned above.  Or I can send you a 6SN7 design to hear.

Happy Listening.
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
BTW, you will want to upgrade your source material.  Based on your screen name, the newer Dave's Picks and other releases with Plangent technology should be interesting, and the anniversary releases of the regular albums too.
darkstar1 OP
180 posts
 
Modwright was on my list. The 36.5. Yeah the phono stage could and will be better someday but I need a preamp and a better record cleaner first. I also was trying to add the tubes in the pre and trying to keep the phono section with higher gain SS to reduce noise.

I Have compared a 3k Sutherland to Nova and it really didn't impress me. Way on the warm side. Bass was to bloated. It did bring vocals a bit more out of the mix but I didn't see it as a upgrade as much a sideways change.

Also heard Ayre phono stage. I honnestly think the Nova is pretty good for 500 bucks used. I actually think my pre-amp is the noise maker. It really is amazing for the price but compared to higher end stuff it does a have higher floor noise. Its also older and could use some maintenance. My amp has been recapped with high quality capps 3 or years ago.
More to discover