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Preamp Opinion

A couple of weeks ago, I asked for advice on my amp and preamp. Although I am sure that it could be improved, I have come to the conclusion that the Parasound A23 is the least of my problems. I also have a Parasound New Classic 2100 preamp, a Marantz 8600 CD player/streamer (which I also think doesn't need to be replaced), and Focal Aria 926 speakers. I did listen to advice I was given and am expecting a vintage McIntosh SL-1 sub to my system.

I am looking at a few used preamps and wanted to get your opinions on them since the only one I have heard is the Adcom GFP-750 and that was years ago. My memory is that it had a very good sound to it. The other preamps I am considering are the Rotel RC-1572, Rogue RP-1, Coplant CTA 301 MKII, Bryston BP6, and Vincent SA-T7. Unfortunately, I have not heard any of them and don't have a location where I can. I tend to prefer a sound that is not too bright but provides a good clear soundstage and imaging. I have always owned solid state before and am a little leery of tube maintenance.

Thank you for your advice or observations about any of these preamps.
bcool57
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
965 posts
 
I got an RP-1 and like it. I put in a set a matched Mullards after one of the stock ones crapped out at about 24 months. Mullards still working good after several years.
Never owned a Bryston Pre but I do have their BPD π. I like their gear even though the BOT-1 was horrendously over priced for what you actually got. Bryston have good support and a very active a loyal community over on Audiocircle.com . BUT. Isnt the BP pretty old?
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
The one at which I am looking was manufactured in 2017. I am sure that either the Rogue RP-1 or the Bryston BP-1 will give me an improved sound over my current Parasound, just hard to know which one to grab. I wish it was like the old days when I could audition each of them with my equipment. 
Thanks for your help!
robshaw
242 posts
 
Its not cheap and not expensive. It's new though, 5 year warranty, 30 day trial period, SS design from Benchmark Audio in NY  All Balanced Benchmark LA-4 line preamp. Stats are incredible and so will your sound be. Take a look, you wont be disappointed.. Robert TN  they also have a pre amp that has a GREAT headphone amp inside, don't remember the model though and it's more money though.
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
Are any of you familiar with Vincent preamps? How do they compare to Rogue?
ghdprentice
6,870 posts
 
@bcool57


”Trust me! If I built it, you would not want to listen to it😂”


That would be me also. I am a big picture kind of guy. I don’t touch turntables or take things apart, they would never sound good again.

But tube preamps… incredibly reliable. I have a big box of backup tubes I never needed for tubed components. Actually all my stuff is now tubed… and never sounded so good. A tubed preamp is a great way to start. Tubed DACs and phono stages also.
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