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Preamp suggestions

I am looking for a great 2 channel pre with HT bypass for dedicated stereo listening.

My current system:
Bryston 4BSST
Bryston 9BSST (5 channel)
B&W 804S
Rotel RSP-1068 surround processor

I'm looking for recommendations on a dedicated 2 channel pre with great soundstaging and imaging.

I'm open to tubes, solid whatever for $3-5K, new or used. I recently hears a Plinius 9100 in my system and the soundstage and imaging were a huge improvement over the Rotel.

Thanks,
lovebug
lovebug OP
7 posts
 
Well I ended up with an EAR 868 which I absolutely love so far. The imaging is stellar, but what's most amazing about it is that it makes the music sound 'live' and it's highly emotional and involving.
sibelius
256 posts
 
Get the entry level Shindo from a dealer. As you have additonal $, you can continue trading up the Shindo line as the dealer trade in credit is extremely generous. Very expensive but IMO worth every penny.
linkster's avatar
linkster
432 posts
 
W4S STP-SE, don't be swayed by the low price. It is the real deal if you value transparency with musicality. Could be the best value linestage in the high-end.
lovebug OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I picked up an EAR 868 here and I've been extremely happy with it. I my system, I don't think I could really do much better. The image is as tall as the room and far wider than the speakers. As for musicality and detail - just WOW. It makes even lousy recording sounds decent. And great recordings just blow me away.
dardemm
2 posts
 
Hi lovebug.

I know this thread stopped a while ago, however I have a question for you.

You started by asking for a preamp with home theater bypass (which I require as well) but you say at the end that you settled on a EAR 868. I didn't think the EAR had a bypass feature. Did you just skip this feature when making your choice, or am I wrong regarding the bypass ability of the 868? Thanks, David.
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