2. amps-preamps
  3. 1287972703

Best preamp: Viola, Jadis, F.M. or Jeff Rowland ?

a dream test would be to compare "live" following preamps:

-Jadis JP80 MC MKIII

-Jeff Rowland's Criterion

-Viola's Spirito or Cadenza

-F.M. Acoustics 255 or 266

I had only the oportunity to compare Jadis JP80 MC with Audio Research Ref 3 ... the last one had no chance!

I have heard the Criterion (beautifull) and Viola's Cadenza (incredible precision) but on different days in diferent systems ... I have never heard F.M.

Have you had the possibility to compare these models ?
which other one would you add to the list ?
clavil
jazdoc
365 posts
 
Experience Music Kahn LCR phono stage with mercury rectification and Slagle stepups;

http://jeffreywjackson.com/KahnLCR.htm

Experience Music DHT line stage with 71A tube;

http://jeffreywjackson.com/The_Line_Stage.htm (older pic -- new chassis similar to phono stage)
6550c
393 posts
 
Where does First Sound fit in? I am considering buying a used one but have no way to listen first.
clavil OP
254 posts
 
Dev,

I have heard VAC Renaissance MKIII with Phi 200 with Tidal Contriva all with NBS 0 cables ... a disastrous set-up ... I don't what was wrong but for sure it was definitively wrong !

I have heard that Alon Wolf from Magico is using VAC for testing, so it must be quite good ...

are you now using MBL electronic ?

I love the 101 ;-)
dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
Hi Clavil,

no, I tried 9008 and 9011 mono's and did not like the over all sound.

I actually owned their pre for a few years and currently own the 1621a transport. This transport and the 101's are my favorite pces from this manufacture.

Currently using Bryston 28 Squared mono blocks paired up with the VAC Sig. MK2a pre with phono, very nice match and my MBL's have never performed or sounded so marvelous.
roysen
68 posts
 
I would say that the FM 266 is easily the best of the mentioned candidates. It is so musical yet detailed and lacks absolutely nothing in its rich presentation.
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