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do i change the preamp or the speakers?

I recently acquired a set of Odyssey Stratos Monoblocs (w/ upgreaded cap) which i run through an Audible Illusions 2d with new tubes from AI. This set drives my Kef 104.2's. i use some streaming through an Adcom DAC but mostly i listen to vinyl on my Thorens TD 160 with Shure cart.

Before the Stratos arrived i was driving this Kef's with an older Bryston 3B and it was nice.

The Stratos betters the bryston in all ways but the Bryston was "brighter" and suited my listening tastes better when using the Kef's. This new combination is too warm for me. In fact i find the combo of the Stratos and AI sound better driving my IQ TED 400's which are a brighter speaker. I have also substituted my old NAD 1155 solid state preamp which is not the same class as the AI but the slighter brighter nature and the ability to adjust he tone and loudness for lower listening levels has me switching back and fort between the two preamps.

So the question i have is this. Do i change the speakers or do i shop for a replacement preamp.

if it matters, i am a fan of rock music.
fivefasts
fivefasts OP
27 posts
 
John
the Stratos is still better but i want it to provide the same brighter characteristics of the byrston as well.

also, is there such a thing as an "in line" loudness switch... i really miss that option which is offered on my lower fi NAD preamp.

i know its about musical purity, but it nice to be able to compensate for the equip and room with a dial.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
Fivefasts, I don't believe there is any plate voltage in the tubes during standby, so the preamp must be powered-up for the tubes to generate current and burn-in. And, it doesn't need to be playing any music so the amps can be turned off.
Anybody feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
jafant's avatar
jafant
10,525 posts
 
Five-

the Bryston 3B is a power amp and a fine one at that. If you are looking for a new pre-amp then the Bryston Sp-1, Sp-2 or Sp-3 will make a nice match.
Remember, a pre-amp is the heart of any system, select it w/ care. Keep us posted. Happy Labor Day!
goldeneraguy
439 posts
 
This seems simple enough.
1-Re-read John Grogan's post.
2-And when selecting a new preamp follow Almarg's caution on preamp
output impedance to amps input impedance
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Fivefasts, the recommended load capacitance for the M91ED ("N91ED" is its stylus assembly) is 400 to 500 pf. I would expect that under typical circumstances the total capacitance of the turntable wiring, the phono cable, and the input capacitance of a preamp or separate phono stage will be in the vicinity of perhaps 200 to 250 pf or so, and sometimes significantly less.

Some Googling will reveal numerous comments by users to the effect that loading the M91ED with too little capacitance will have adverse effects in the treble region, and specifically that it will weaken the brightness region.

Also, my perception has been that generally speaking Shure cartridges are not known for their brightness. And the graphs I linked to earlier, for the frequency response of the M97xE, are certainly consistent with that. It could be that the cartridge is just not to your liking, and your present system configuration is not compensating for that to the extent it was previously.

Regards,
-- Al
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