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Most Rockingest Preamp south of $2k used

I'm curious if anyone knows of, has heard about or owns a preamp that simply does the most justice to rock n roll, under $2k (or more) used. The one SS pre I owned (Odyssey) seemed a bit light in the mids and bass, arguably the two most important components to rock. Then I went tubes, and I think it's in the right direction. Regardless of SS or tube, I would think the ultimate rock pre would be a PRAT king, maybe even pushing the beat a little, certainly not laid back, with great bass, mids and dimensionality and overall musicality (vs analytical). Am I missing anything?

I'm tired of putting the cart before the horse -- researching what's for sale on agon as opposed to having a few models to look out for and keeping an eye out for them. Who's got a say in the most rockingest pre?
tholt
tholt OP
551 posts
 
No, I haven't. I know it's a non-tangible, but I don't get excited about that brand. Maybe its the dual vol knobs. who knows.
pieman42
6 posts
 
i was in a similar situation. upgrading my pre (a cambridge c500 which i bought new about 8 years ago) from a decent entry-level one to something much better. i listen to about 40% blues 40% heavy metal and the rest all kinds (except rap!). i wanted a big soundstage, details etc., but it had to sound good on heavy guitars and drums. i tried a few solid state and a few tube pre's. every one had it's strengths, but nothing that i wanted to live with. i ended up with a classe 6l. it does what i've been looking for and more, except it doesn't have a phono stage. this is an awesome pre for the harder side of music, plus it's good on all other types. i suspect any of the older classe pre's would do as well, for under what you're looking to spend. my two cents anyways, pieman42
stereo
147 posts
 
Audio Mirror. Best money on a preamp you will ever spend. I have the Pp1 and love it. Great dynamics and smooth. Under $2k for either one they make.
tholt OP
551 posts
 
Wondering about the audio mirror stuff. Looks like the requisite 'passionate small company' and a few good reviews/comments like yours I've read. Is the PP1 significantly different then the other one outside of chassis and phono?
eagleman6722
217 posts
 
Difference between The Audio Mirror units are that one has phono and one does not. If you can find a Tube Audio Design 150 or 150 sinature it will sell for less than $1000. i have had mne for 4 years.
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