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Pre-amp Suggestions for Tubes & Electrostats

I am considering testing a pre-amp in a system that now consists of VTL 450 monoblocks, Martin Logan SL3s, Sony SCD777ES, and a Cello passive attenuator. I am not sure if I 'need' to replace the passive pre yet but am interested in giving it a try and expect to add analog eventually. If I do make the switch to a pre-amp, it would be to something to keep through further iterations of the source and speakers (I assume the VTLs are 'permanent'). Musical tastes eclectic but primarily listen to classical music (from chamber music to opera) and jazz.

I had been strongly leaning towards tubes but I recently heard a JRDG Synergy II in someone else's system and noted it made a remarkable difference from before (can't for the life of me remember what 'before' was) and so am interested in learning about good tube AND SS pre-amps which would match the system and welcome any and all suggestions on pre-amps (or advice to keep what I have).
Thanks,
t_bone
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
To respond to your question....you didn't specify a budget range, but in the <$5K (new) range, I strongly suggest you try to listen to both the Placette active (solid state) and the First Sound Presence Deluxe MkII (tube). Both are terrific.
ljgj
955 posts
 
The Mcintosh C42 or the C100 are excellent SS. Mac is coming out with a new tube preamp soon that is suppose to be THE tube preamp of all time.
tacs
220 posts
 
I'm a little doubtful about adding an active stage to that system, unless there's an obvious matching problem between the Sony and the amps, or unless you want more functionality that a simple passive attenuator doesn't give you...it's hard to get good active curcuits that also have as resolving a volume control as the Cello.
But sounds like you might be somehow dissatisfied with the system?

Assuming you're trying them out, I would think that one of VTLs better tube preamps would be a good match to your amps. Also Joule Electra LA-100, Sira, Cary, etc.
my 2c.
travis's avatar
travis
239 posts
 
Since you expressed an interest in analog, may I recommend mine (everybody recommends theirs!)? An Atma-Sphere MP-3 with a great phono stage. It's kinda' homely but I got a custom gold finish which does dress it up a bit. It's also fully balanced which I assume would go well with your VTLs.

http://www.atma-sphere.com/mp3.htm
t_bone OP
1,182 posts
 
Jtinn & Tireguy; Thanks, I hadn’t thought about that possible solution. Someone mentioned in another thread that Audio Aero is coming out with a CD/SACD/DVD-A player called the Prestige. Will the Prestige have the same 24/192 redbook capability (and/or DAC) as the Capitole? Anyone know a price range?
Drubin; thanks for those two. I live in Japan and have never seen either of them here, new or used (though I guess that’s what FedEx is for). I did not mention a budget because I wanted open recommendations from people with a variety of experiences and budgets.
Tacs; I'm not really dissatisfied – I very much like the ‘open-ness’ of the Cello, simply open to tinkering and looking to the future which probably has analog in store. I do have one 'problem' currently - can't change the volume while feeding the baby - a remote would be handy.
Travis; fully balanced great for VTLs except current CDP isn’t balanced out (only the SCD-1 among that line).

Thanks to all for the suggestions already posted. Keep’em coming!
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