2. amps-preamps
  3. 1044936605

Preamp Options-Classe,Muse,SF,BAT,Adcom

Hello everyone, I would like to tap into your experiences with different preamps. I currently use an Adcom GFP-750 with Stan Warren Black Gate cap upgrade, and it betters the stock version considerably, and sounds pretty good overall. I am trying to achieve SS detail and dynamics, but also a rich lifelike midrange and little to no SS nastiness (without breaking the bank). Current set-up includes Muse 9 sig, Adcom pre, BAT VK-500 amp, Alon V Mk II speakers with woofer upgrade, Cardas Golden Reference ic's, Alon's Black Orpheus speaker wire, and Chris VH Flavor 1&2 power cords. I use two dedicated 20 amp power circuits, one for the amp and the other through a Jon Risch power filter for the front end. This system is close to what I am looking for, and occasionally sounds excellent on good recordings. However, I am wondering if any of the following may improve on my modified Adcom preamp. BTW I generally prefer it in active mode (popular rock and blues), but occasionally use it passive for acoustic type music (C'boy Junkies, Pete Yorn, etc). I must have the HT pass through and balanced design. I do not need high gain, but I am not interested in passive only units, and do not need the passive option. I need line stage only and remote is optional. Any comments on the following, or other, contenders ($1K-2K used) would be appreciated, or do you think the Adcom likely betters them?

Muse Model 3 Signiture
(really interested in 1st hand experiences with the Muse)
Classe' CP60 (why are comments on this unit so erratic?)
Sonic Frontiers Line 2
(it has the features, but I heard it sounds thin)
BAT (Do any of these offer the HT pass through?)
Others???

Thanks in advance for your help - Tim
mitch2
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
The BAT offers HT pass thru via a unity gain setting on one of the inputs. Very easy to set up. (on the VK20,30,40,50 and se versions) I have a Muse 9 sig going into a BAT VK50SE and BAT VK75SE. Great match. With your vk500, you outa check it out.

I upgraded from a Classe CP50. The BAT smokes it.

Good luck.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
The Unity gain setting on the BAT is available on the VK3i as well, as long as it has remote. Should be in the lower portion of your range, used. Excellent unit.
mitch2 OP
3,967 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the great responses. I have done some more research and believe the BAT VK-40 may ultimately be the way to go. Since I will be buying used, and my Adcom pre still sounds pretty good, I will take John's advice and hang on to it for awhile, until I find the right deal on a VK-40. The unity gain setting you guys mentioned for the BAT preamps is also the way you get HT pass through on the Muse. I only wish some of you had actually heard the Muse, as I suspect it is a really good preamp for the money, but ultimately not as good as the synergy would be between my BAT amp and the VK-40. Still, I really like my 9 sig and would love to hear the 3 sig preamp in my setup. Thanks again.
More to discover