2. amps-preamps
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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: 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.
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Tvad and Almarg, do you think one of Ralph's pre amps would work for him being a fully balanced design?
I have no relevant listening experience upon which to base an opinion about how well the Atmasphere preamps would match up sonically with the rest of the op's system. But in terms of design characteristics, specs, and price the MP-3 certainly seems well worth considering.

Its 200kHz bandwidth is somewhat wider than the 100kHz I arbitrarily mentioned, but still seems well within reason relative to the issue I raised.

The MP-1 has a specified bandwidth of 400kHz, but in any event is outside the op's price range unless he purchases it used.

I second Tvad's comments, also.

Best regards,
-- Al
jmpwme
106 posts
 
blue Circle BC3000 MKII with GZPZ upgraded power supply. I believe retail is $11K+, but there is a nice one available here on the 'gon.
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