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
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?
rleff
1,065 posts
 
I agree as well.
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