2. amps-preamps
  3. 188088-172210

Help With New Preamp Decision

Like most of us, I am constantly in the process of slowly (as funds allow) upgrading my system to what most would consider "mid fi" or low end "hi fi". I have been reading a lot lately on the subject of SQ upgrades, and what comes up frequently is that the preamplifier might be the foundation of moving to the next level as I upgrade.

True or not, that is the direction I have decided to go....my virtual system is listed. And yes I know I need to upgrade other components as well, so I'd like to keep this on the idea of a preamp.

In doing a LOT of research, I've come across several preamps that I am most interested in and would appreciate some ideas/thoughts/input/recommendations. I want fully balanced XLR with RCA inputs and outputs,  be tube based, and I have no need or desire for a phone input. Max budget is $6,000.....or just a few shekels more.

(1) Aric Audio Motherlode XL $6,125 - Incredible reviews, Aric has a phenomenal reputation, and seems to be an all around great builder in this field - https://aricaudio.com/products.php?product=MLXL

(2) Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4 $5,000 - I have this lower on my wish list, as it is Backert's entry level preamp, what I'd really like is the Rhumba Extreme....but no way I can justify the $8,500 price. And finding a used Rhumba Extreme 1.3 has proved impossible, though I'm not opposed to it. 

(3) Don Sachs and Lynn Olson new Raven (Revolution) preamp $5,000 - His reputation alone makes this preamp important, and he is an all around great and giving guy of his time. I've communicated several times with Don, and he flat out tells me this is the best preamp he has ever designed by far and is a "cost no object" project. I think that production starts Jan/Feb this year (being built by Spatial Audio Labs) 

 

(4) Atma-Sphere MP3 Mk 3.3 $5,650 - Venerable favorite, it's a well known and well reviewed product http://www.atma-sphere.com/en/mp-3.html

(5) Linear Tube Audio MicorZOTL $5,750 with balanced inputs and Level 2, see this well reviewed and well thought of brand a lot  

 

Thank you in advance for your input

vthokie83
vthokie83 OP
945 posts
 

Ralph,

I certainly appreciate your input, and yes one of my amps does have balanced inputs. I ultimately went with the Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, and it has one balanced and one unbalanced output.....two balanced and two unbalanced inputs. Though I did not speak specifically with Aric about the AES48 standard, his website for the preamp does specifically say the balanced connections support AES48.

I also purchased a CODA S5.5 amplifier which has balanced and unbalanced connections, but it does not specifically say whether it supports AES48

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,942 posts
 

Though I did not speak specifically with Aric about the AES48 standard, his website for the preamp does specifically say the balanced connections support AES48.

@vthokie83 The inputs do but not the output.

As far as I can make out the Coda supports the standard.

zarf
35 posts
 

I'm interested in reading your opinions of the sound of the system as it comes together and breaks in. I've been thinking about a similar list of preamplifiers for later this year, so this is an interesting thread. I've enjoyed Aric's Unlimited II with a Pass Aleph 5 in one of my systems for several years. I'm sure that a Motherlode/Coda pairing will be rewarding.

ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,377 posts
 

On my long and winding preamp journey I have settled on the Zanden 3100.  It's just right for me and has almost all the features I want minus the balance control. Just the right balance between the tube pre amps and solid state I tried.  I am happy and got the matching amp and things have taken a big step up.  I spent time with and owned Schit Freya +, AR REF 6, Cary SLP05 ultimate, Rotel Michi, Benchmark LA4.  The little 3100 is the goldilocks sound of the bunch and suits my lifestyle as it doesn't run like a space heater and only has 2 small tubes.  Remote can turn it on and it's not so massive.  Has 2 sets of RCA and XLR outs, it's almost a perfect preamp for me and Zanden knows what they are doing with sound. 

More to discover