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
darkstar1 OP
180 posts
 
Yeah I am going with active. I don't really roll much gear. I think I am 3 pieces of gear from maintaining my system for a long time. Premamp, Record cleaner and possibly a phono pre. 

Yeah I agree I don't really want to take a chance on a fully passive amp. I don't like selling at all. So yeah I totally agree with you. I really am leaning towards a Used Modwright 36.5. 

I also like the idea of Herron or Aesthetix but it would be pushing my budget. I also have a rare dark horse pre that someone is selling now that I doubt will be there when I am ready to buy. I am fighting the urge to buy now but the would create a war zone of the home front and honestly it would be justified.


mesch
1,679 posts
 
Must agree it is easier to buy than to sale, kinda like house shopping these days. Best to know what you truly want prior to purchase. 

Good luck in your search.
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
@darkstar1 Have you read about Backert Labs preamps? They are in your wheelhouse and if a smaller newer company is okay for you, their sound quality is pretty great. Tube rolling is easy, allowing you to adjust the forward/laidback perspective that you are interested in. I've heard them in about 5-6 systems and they have all been winners. Cheers,
Spencer
baranyi's avatar
baranyi
664 posts
 
+1 on the Linear Tube MicroZotl2. It is amazing sounding piece that sells for less than 2K!!  My wife who is a professional musician actually noticed when it was in my system (on demo) About to pick up mine!I  Put NOS. tunes in it and it is sublime. I have had the CJ Art3 and it is in that class. The Backert, the Heron, and the Modwright are all excellent. 
baranyi's avatar
baranyi
664 posts
 
That was supposed to be" put in NOS tubes and it sounds sublime"
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