2. amps-preamps
  3. 128127-7795

Pre-amp upgrade time?

My current system: AR Ref110 tube amp, Cary slp03 pre, Cary cdp1 and ProAc Response D25.
I am getting Sony Hap-Z1ES this weekend. 
Music I like is mostly progressive rock and ambient electronic....
Love hearing wide soundstage, well defined instruments, clear vocals smack in the center but also quick, fast, tight bass.
Always tend to gravitate towards tubes but also felt in the past that they sometimes sound too slow and weak.... Wasn't happy with Cary 120 mk2, was OK with Sonic Frontier but didn't care for Pass Aleph 0s.(I know they are SS but sound like tubes).
Overall happy now but also ready for an upgrade..... I think that my amp is the strongest link in my system and while my CDP might be weakest...I think I would get most improvement if I look to upgrade my pre-amp.
What would you recommend and should I try to add SS preamp or stick to tubes?

Thanks
ether
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,902 posts
 
ether,

what brand(s) cabling are you using to tie your system together?

Next, I would keep the pre-amp & cdp by the same manufacturer (Cary or ARC).  The ARC Ref3 or Ref5 w/ an ARC spinner would be a very fine upgrade.  Or, the Cary SLP05 would compliment your Cary cdp1 nicely.

Keep me posted and Happy Listening!
rspyder
98 posts
 
Budget permitting, the ARC Ref 10 is as good as current technology can get.  I have one and have not found better.
ether OP
64 posts
 
Jafant - I am using XLO Reference balanced all around.
I am leaning toward getting an ARC Ref 3.... of course one can't go wrong with ARC Ref line of audio gear.

I just got new tubes KT120 for my ARC Ref 110 and that was a nice improvement over the old tubes...
Overall I have been happy with the sound....just that finances have improved and I am lucky to be able to look for the "next level"
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