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Good preamp with Merlin TSM speakers?

I own Merlin TSM bookshelf speakers which are nicely detailed but a bit on the dry side with my Modwright 9.0 se preamp. I'm looking for a preamp to warm up the sound and thinking about CJ tube pre. Suggestions, ~$2k or under? I like the detail of the Modwright but would like more flesh on the bone. I use Tube Audio Design ss monoblock power amps ("Hibachi").
pmboyd
scon90
42 posts
 
Years ago I had some TSM speakers driven by a sonic frontiers SFL2 preamp and pass aleph 1.2 mono amps. The sound from that set up was amazing. I may not recall the exact name of the preamp but it was the 2 chassis unit.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
CJ, Cary, or Joule Electra should offer you a little more "flesh on the bone".
pmboyd OP
243 posts
 
Would love to get a Joule Electra... but $3k+!
brf
1,699 posts
 
A Joule Electra LA-150 can be had for far less than $3K, be patient.  A word of caution, Joule is out of business and support is limited. Give Rich Brkich of Signature Sound a call as he has taking over the support of both Merlin and Joule.  Great guy, he will give you straight advice.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Would love to get a Joule Electra... but $3k+!

You can get a J-E preamp for much less than $3K, as brf mentions.
Be patient, I see them pop up once a month or so.
Also, as brf mentions,  Rich Brkich of Signature Sound is a great contact for J-E.
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