2. amps-preamps
  3. 1350204237

$18k Tube preamp for large scale symphonies please

hi, can anyone suggest tube preamp that's good for handling complex music & large scale symphonies recordings in studio/ theatres? i had audition some: Aesthetix, CJ ,Modwright, Audio Note, ARC but all seems lacking in some ways and definitely not enough air at top octaves and instruments separation/ spaciousness. all dealer agrees that some pre is good at certain genre of music and sound Great even more if music is relatively SIMPLE like vocal, jazz, light acoustic, slow rock and maybe pop songs. Yes i know personal taste varies as well: bass strength & high freq. extension etc. & gears matching too. could anyone share their expreience so i can narrow down a list? my music typically: Van Hellsing & Princess Mononoke movie soundtrack. hope dealers provide constructive comments. Thanks All in advance. -phil
philipwu
audiotomb's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
audiotomb
1,059 posts
 
I see there are a few Doshi preamps available
bjbcab
131 posts
 
I am surprised that no one has suggested the Nagra PL-L.
philipwu OP
204 posts
 
that's because most people think Niagra not as suitable to play my kind of music which happens to be mostly modern orchestra music and contemporary pop songs. got it?
philipwu OP
204 posts
 
Please kindly read through the posts to understand what I'm looking for. Thanks
lenny_zwik
259 posts
 
Philipwu (Bjbcab), I was just about to suggest the Nagra. It's total BS that "any" preamp, not just the Nagra, is unsuitable to play a particular type of music. I believe the Nagra is an exceptional pre-amp, especially when outfitted with the balanced output option and placed on their anti-vibration stand. They might be hard to find used, but new the combo is about $13K-$14K, significantly below your stated budget. Give it a try, especially coupled with good SS amplification if that's what you prefer. Mine are paired with MX-Rs with great results.
More to discover