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Thinking of a new preamp and looking for advice...

So, I am currently running a BAT VK30 into a Parasound A21 to Golden Ear Triton 2 speakers.  Sources are a Sony Z1ES and a Linn LP12 to a Parasound JC3+ phono stage. Green Audioquest cables all around. Most of my listening is vinyl--lots of jazz and 70's-80's rock and female vocals. I love the sound of my system, but the BAT is very finicky about power, and I have a ground loop that I cannot find...It works fine at other locations, but has a hum in only the right channel in my listening room...It's driving me bananas!

I demoed a Sonic Frontiers LS1 and the ground loop was gone, but it didn't have the open airy sound that my BAT does.  I am looking into an Audio Research LS-27, and also a McIntosh C47.  My must haves for a new preamp are at least 2 balanced inputs and balanced outs, and a remote control.  I may like to stay with tubes, but I'm not opposed to SS either.  Price-wise my ceiling is around $4000.  I would love to here from anyone who has either of these preamps as to what they like or don't like about them.  I am also open to suggestions. 

Thanks for your input.

jptenberg1
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I would first try a little harder to eliminate the ground loop hum. I know they can be frustrating, but I have even heard $12K preamps have this issue until the culprit is found.

As is, your system appears to be quite well balanced. Adding a better preamp may or may not eliminate the ground loop, and may or may not make your system sound better.
A more transparent preamp like the ARC LS-27 may just highlight flaws in your source or speakers.

http://www.audioholics.com/home-theater-connection/ground-loops-eliminating-system-hum-and-buzz


lak's avatar
lak
3,516 posts
 
+1 jmcgrogan2!
cleeds
2,065 posts
 
jptenberg1
I have a ground loop that I cannot find...It works fine at other locations, but has a hum in only the right channel in my listening room...
What makes you certain that the cause of the hum is a ground loop? Typically, a ground loop causes hum in both channels. Have you tried swapping cables from left to right to ascertain the problem isn't in the cable itself?
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Typically, a ground loop causes hum in both channels.

I have had a ground loop hum in one channel before. It can be very frustrating. I tried changing cables, cords, etc. It came and went for no apparent reason. 
The only fix was when I unplugged my cable F Type connector from the cable box and plugged it back in again, the hum was gone for good. I was planning on trying a Jensen Isolator, but didn't need it.

I didn't suspect this because the TV and video system is on a different circuit altogether. Ground loop hums are strange animals.
fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith
334 posts
 
I too agree with jmcgrogan2. I recently upgraded my preamp from an old Audioprism Mantissa to an ARC Ref 6. I have a Manley Steelhead and as much as I love it, ever since getting the Steelhead I have a ground loop that goes away if I switch back to my Simaudio Moon LP5.3. The Ref 6 sounds amazing too but it did not make my ground loop go away. In fact, it is now slightly worse. You need to solve your ground loop issue first. 
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