2. amps-preamps
  3. 1273788735

Under $10k budget Preamp suggestion, please.

I'm upgrading my system and considering next preamp right now in this budget. If possible, I'd like to find ones having retail price around $5-8k. Here's my setup

Transport: Hiend music server using Digital balanced + Superclock as master
D/A: Esoteric D-05 slave to transport
Pre: Considering here.....
Power: Spectral DMA 180 (May change later)
Speaker: Rockport Ankaa

I'm considering Karan KA L at the moment since I couldn't think of better alternatives right now. I feel my system needs a bit more lower frequency for suitable tonal balance because D-05 has inferior bass comparing to Alpha DAC which almost fits in my system.
windowsx
tvad
9,467 posts
 
05-14-10: Windowsx
I personally prefer fully balanced solid state preamps at the moment since Spectral can be no good with tube preamp from my past experiences.
Not to dissuade you from solid state, but the Spectral amp specs suggest it would work fine with a tube preamp.

Can you be specific about what aspects of the tube preamp/Spectral combination you did not like?

What tube preamp was being used?

Lastly, since you seem to be headed toward a new preamp regardless of whether it will be the best solution for your bass issues, I would encourage you to try and audition the SMc Audio VRE-1. It's fully balanced, quiet as outer space, and would work well with the Spectral amp, IMO.
foster_9
1,610 posts
 
I second the Cary SLP 05 which I own. It is fully balanced.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Tvad and Almarg do you think one of Ralph's pre amps would work for him being a fully balanced design?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
05-14-10: Rleff
Tvad and Almarg do you think one of Ralph's pre amps would work for him being a fully balanced design?
Considering the impedance and sensitivity specs of both the Atma preamps and Spectral amp, I do. IMO, there's no issue from a matching standpoint.

However, the question to Windowsx about what he found unsatisfying about the tube preamp/Spectral combination is pending.

So, until he responds, my answer is a qualified yes.
peterayer
1,373 posts
 
Why not audition the new Spectral preamp?
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