2. amps-preamps
  3. 1438629848

stereo preamp $2-5K suggestions

I have been a long time lurker of Audiogon forums but I don’t think I have posted anything yet. I am in the market for a stereo preamplifier. I am currently using my Arcam AVR380 as my preamp. The AVR is connected to a 250WPC Emotiva XPA-2 amplifier (input impedance 23.5komhs). I was interested in putting together a tube preamp to solid state amplifier system. I am interested in a tube preamp since I have always preferred to use guitar amps with tubes and I thought that some of that tube magic may apply to hi-fi as well. I have a budget of 5K yet would really like to spend 2-3K instead. (Who wouldn’t?) I am interested in new or used. I have liked my Emotiva amp and looked at the Emotiva’s XSP-1 preamp but I have not tried it at home. I may A-B the Emotiva preamp with whatever tube preamp I end up getting to see how good the XSP-1 is. I tend to use my Music Hall MMF 5.1 turntable / Grado Platinum 1 Cart. / Phonomena II phono preamp to listen to most music. I also tend to play a lot of music with female vocalists. I really like the voices of Anne Murray, Linda Ronstadt, Shelby Lynne and Olivia Newton John. However, I also play a lot of Led Zep, Pink Floyd, Willie Nelson and Steely Dan too. The most important aspect of music to me is the vocals and acoustic instruments. I like solid bass but not at the expense of good sonic texture in the bass. My current audio system (Vandersteen 3Asig speakers/Arcam AVR380/Emotiva XPA-2 amp) sounds good but not great. The sonic texture, dynamics and soundstage width are pretty good in my system but I do not get the 3D presentation I have heard in other systems where the instruments and vocals seem to be floating in space. I can hear the instruments/vocals in my current system placed side to side (2D) but I do not get much depth. I would like suggestions on tube stereo preamps that may get me closer to a 3D presentation of the music. I have been doing online research and saw the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Preamp that is new for about 3K. Is this preamp as good as many reviews say it is? Can it really compete with 10K preamplifiers? If there are any great solid state preamps that you think would also give me a great “virtually-there 3D presentation” (in the 2-5K range), I would like to hear about those too. Thanks all!
g_rogers
response34's avatar
response34
169 posts
 
I haven't read all the post as I see some are in regard to the speakers.
As others have mentioned, the preamp has to be compatible with the amplifier which means a lower output impedance when mating with solid state amps.
There are a lot of good choices out there. Our LeAnna preamps have a 600 ohm output while the new Lusso and balanced LeAnna models are <180 ohms.
Compatibility between components is critical.
dsper
663 posts
 
Hi G Rodgers,

I purchased a new PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium preamp from Kevin Deal and now have about 200 hours on it.

It is paired with an Oppo 105 modified by Ric Schultz, W4S ST1000 amp, and Maggie 3.6 speakers and bass panel.

My last preamp was a W4S STP. The PrimaLuna is better in terms of a sense of a live performance and seeing into the music - better separation of instruments and voices in space.

However, the depth of the soundtsage is not that much improved over the W4S preamp. Some of the other comments alluded to speaker placement and the ability to move the speakers out further into the room as an important consideration in this respect. Obviously, room logistics and aesthetics are going to control how far out into the room you can go rergardless of equipment.

FWIW, I heard Vandersteen 3A's with Conrad Johnson electronics in a 25' by 25' showroom room. They were probably about 8 feet from the front and side walls. What I remember was the clarity and smoothness of the sound and not necessarily a holiographic image.
g_rogers OP
12 posts
 
Thanks all again for the feedback.

Dsper - thanks for your review of the PrimaLuna. Do you feel the PrimaLuna was a good upgrade in your system or were you hoping for more? I think you may be right that my speakers may not be the type of speakers that can do the holographic type imaging.
david12
1,454 posts
 
Some excellent suggestions here, Ayre, Prima luna, though I don't know the Aesthetix. One more to consider, because of the quality and good value is Modwright. The LS 100 is very good, more what you would consider a traditional tube sound, but I chose the 36.5. It is exceptionally capable and at a very good price, clear transparent and fast.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Dsper - thanks for your review of the PrimaLuna. Do you feel the PrimaLuna was a good upgrade in your system or were you hoping for more? I think you may be right that my speakers may not be the type of speakers that can do the holographic type imaging."

Mine do. You just need the right electronics. That goes for any speaker, not just Vandersteen.
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