2. amps-preamps
  3. 1110705512

Used Pre-amp advise please....

Hi,
It turns out that I need your advices once again...
I recently just upgraded my B&W N805 to a pair of Dunlavy Alethas (and decided to put them in my living room which I believe is big enough to accomodate them). My current system (tight-budget system):
Jadis JD-3 CD
AudioNote DAC 2
Krell KSP-7B
Krell KSA250
Cardas Neutral Ref & Nordost BlueHeaven RCA
Cardas Quadlink cable speakers
I am quite ok with the system until I heard the combination of Conrad-Johnson PV10a with my Krell, which turned out to be very musical, detail, and sweet (lack of bass & soundstage, a bit lean). A huge improvement over my krell ksp-7b.... Since I virtually have spent all of my $ for the Dunlavys, I could not afford a better pre than a used one (my Ksp-7B is only worth $550 at my dealer). My current choices are: CJ PV10a ($750), CJ PF-2 ($800) or Sonic Frontier SFL-2 ($1000). My concern is the CJs are quite low-ends (non-replaceable power cord) while the SFL-2 is quite old (1996, and the comp have been brankrupt). Any sugestion among those pre-amps? Thanks in advance....

Regards

Adinata
atjandra888
c123666
871 posts
 
Suggest you consider Audible Illusions Modulus 3A, VTL Ultimate (if you can find one), and used Convergent Audio Technology preamps.
jimburger
104 posts
 
I would suggest an ARC Sp-14. Has a killer phono stage and a very nice FET linestage. ARC products are built to last and they support everything in their line ever produced. You should be able to find one on Audiogon or Ebay for around $1000. I think it is pretty close to the best and a screaming bargain. Different kind of sound than CJ house sound. ARC is precise, detailed, harmonically correct, has plenty of "bloom", possess good dynamic shading but tends more to neutral versus euphonic like CJ. In addition if the preamp does not work well in the context of your system, you should not have any problem reselling it for what you paid for it.
shopsmartjazz
10 posts
 
I have Audible Illusions Modulus 3 which has be modified by the Audible Illutions Factory to a Modulus 3A (very easy and very simple) with all the factory notes and documentations. Hardly used. I will soon put up for sale.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Ok, I've never owned the speakers----BUT--- the speaker wires are 12/15 years old and weren't all that good;back then.---I did own the wires and have upgraded many times since---all for the better.-- Try to borrow some wires from a friend and see what you hear??
tmiddle
94 posts
 
Avguygeorge is right. I have owned the Quadlink 5C cables too and upgrading to Cardas Cross and then TG Audio's HSR speaker cables has been an big step up each time. I've never heard your amps or your speakers but would still tell you that your Dunlavy's deserve better!
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