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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
eagleman6722
217 posts
 
You didn't say what power amp you have. I have the TAD 150 paired with TAD 125 monos. I play hard rock also and have a hard time finding a CD that doesn't compress the music but, my combo with the TAD stuff throws a big soundstage and does a fair job on some CDs. You can't get the TAD 150 new anymore but, i believe that the AM stuff is on par. Vlad lives here in Houston. I have heard his pre at the Houston Audio Society meetings and the audio nuts at the meetings seem to like it.
tholt OP
551 posts
 
This may sound crazy, but I just picked up a Shindo Aurieges L. We'll see if:

1. It plays well with rock (and others), but more importantly,
2. It synergizes with my amp with its high output impedance.

Really just picked it up to hear what all the hype was about with this pre. Hoping to hear at least a little of the magic.
morgoth360
34 posts
 
I have the McCormack DNA-125, and been looking for a preamp like Tholt that will aside from producing excellent bass including mid & upper, but also posses a midrange that can resolve signature sound of a Flying V or a Strat or any other guitar i'm listening to, i've tried several ss preamplifiers without success i've heard that tubes do a better job in resolving tonal differences my budget is 2k and i don't mind buying used, i will appreciate any suggestions.
tholt OP
551 posts
 
My experience with SS pre's is that they tended to be a little light in the mids and lower freq's, plus they lacked the warmth in a tubed pre. Tubed pre's had more meat on the sound, which to me sounded way better with rock.

There's a Rogue Perseus on here for <$1k if it hasn't sold. Bet that would sound sweet, or maybe a Manley Shrimp.
aptquark
99 posts
 
May I suggest the Audible Illusions L2. It the remote version of the M3A. I sold my M3a ONLY because I wanted a remote. I can assure you that you wont be dissapointed in this tubed pre. The M3a has mm and high mc capability..the L2 doesnt, but does have pass through for home theater. The only other pre that I have had in my systems that "betters" the L2...is the 10,000 Whytech Opal. And "betters" is in quotes for a reason. Subjectivity is a bitch in the audiophile world.
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