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Help - Need Preamp under 5K for Class D amps

I’ve been looking at preamps for some time now and now that I’ve finally taken delivery of some audiophile quality speakers it time to find this device.
My current setup is as follows:

Line Arrays in the form of AV123 LS-6’s driven by a pair of Nuforce 9 SEV2’s. No pre in the signal path. Source is a Slim devices Transporter. All files EAC ripped FLAC lossless compression.
AC services:
VH-Audio power cords service the Nuforce’s in Flavor 4 version as well as the Power conditioner. Dedicated circuit utilizing a Furutech outlet and Furutech silver IEC connectors, Furutech gold plugs on the opposite end on power cords except on the Transporter end where I use a Oyaide 079.

Adona Rack and a considerable amount of room treatments.

So what I hear while sitting on the couch is a pretty resolving system with pinpoint imaging, a decent amount of bloom, dynamics galore and a generally pleasing sound except… I’m not quite where I want to be in terms of just being able to relax into the music. I’d like a bit more air, or bloom or warmth? Sorry I don’t have the right description but perhaps the fact that I have NO pre is the problem in general. Overall sound seems to be a bit clinical. Maybe that’s the word.

This is why I ask the help of my audiophile brothers and sisters here. Running my MAC RCA Palladiums’ doesn’t improve this much over the balanced cables I own which are DH-Labs DIYers. Having a home theatre system in tow that utilizes the Nuforce’s as well I find myself constantly moving interconnect cables which is annoying at best.

I’ve been looking at Dan’s Modwright 36.5 and auditioned one from a fellow Audiogon seller. I couldn’t get a handle on it’s attributes from that audition – too different a system not to mention that I didn’t like what I was hearing from his setup. Others pre’s I’ve been interested in are as follows:

Parasound Halo JC-2 – No tubes but does that really matter?
Aesthetix Calypso
Audio Horizons 2.1
Modwright 36.5
Other?

Thanks for your advice.
128x128desalvo55
desalvo55's avatar
desalvo55 OP
257 posts
 
I've been playing with our newly formed setup. LS-6's are sounding quite lovely. I can't get over just how beautiful the cabinetry is. Cabinets were worth the money I paid for these! Getting back to the pre I just listened to a Itlain made Lector paired with my Nuforces running to a pair of Usher Be718. Sounded quite nice.

I don't have an issue with my Nuforces. What I love about them first off is their lack of signature. They just seem to amplify sound. Last night I used our Onkyo 885 as a pre. In pure audio mode it didn't sound bad but after a while we missed the ambiance, detail and energy that we love without a pre. I know this isn't a audiophile qulaity piece but you get my message. I don't want to give up what I have in energy, I wish to add some timbral accuracy and control to the whole mix. Getting the truth mods to our TP doesn't solve our problem (people should have such problems :-| God are we blessed) although it is a possibly later on.

Another vote for AH. It seems many Nuforce owners like these. TRL "dude". Gotta check that out too as I heard mention of that pre before.

What about the Lamm LL2 used? One hell of an engineer..
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,546 posts
 
The TRL Dude would be the best of the group you mentioned.I have heard/owned the first two on your list and the Dude easily surpassed them. Loved my AH 2.1, but the Dude is much better in my system and room.

No remote option however. Also not likely to find it used here. $3500 new.

I would think the Dude is a great match to the more "detailed/clean" sounding amps you have.

I have not heard the Lamm LL2 but based on all the reviews and comments it might be a great mate with your amps.

I think a pre with beautiful and meaty mids would be ideal for you. Dude and LL2 would fit the bill well.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
The Jeff Rowland Design Group Capri will do an exceptional job, well within your budget. It's as resolving and involving as you'll hear. Look for GuidoCorona's review elsewhere on A'gon.

Dave
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grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,546 posts
 
In general tubes will get you more midrange warmth and bloom. But this is not always the case. I am sure the TRL will give you this while also improving a host of other things we all want in our sound systems.

If $2500 was was budget, then I would say the AH 2.1 and Lamm used are your best choices. But if you can spend $3500 I am not aware of a better pre for what you are trying to accomplish them the Dude by TRL.
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