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What's your "diminishing returns" preamp choice?

What preamp would you consider is at the point of diminishing returns for you? I realize this is a vague and subjective question, but I think it will be interesting to hear the answers.

Of course, a $10,000 preamp will (probably) sound better than a $1,000 preamp but everyone has a different point at which they feel they have spent enough money. In some cases, one may feel that there isn't a significant difference between a $2k piece and a $10k piece to justify such a purchase.

I've noticed that there are some gems in the audio world that defy their price point. For instance, Apogee Centaurs, Halfer 9505 etc. I've always found such pieces fascinating.
woofer72
bapcha
1 posts
 
I'm with SOCFAN12 here. I bought an Ayre K5XE-MP from a Bethesda Maryland Retailer (who sells their trade-in stuff on A'gon). I have it paired with a Bryston 14BSST, and a logitech transporter (playing mostly FLAC files and Apple lossless).

Vanishingly low levels of noise, absolutely musical. I tried swapping out the K5XE-MP with a KXR-Twenty (that costs twenty thousand) and there was no audible difference (to me). Self-built cables (refuse to pay stupid money for copper wire coated with fairy dust)

The K5Xe-MP is in my system to stay. I also like the fact that the serial number was "penned in" with a "Sharpie" :-)
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
Not a preamp but if 60w/ch is enough to float the boat the bel canto c5i integrated has it all and would be the last piece 98% of music enthusiasts would ever need IMHO.
inna
5,245 posts
 
I'd probably get Lamm or Gryphon thinking of either as the best value too, and be happy ever since. Or maybe older top of the line Rowland.
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