2. amps-preamps
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Which preamp for Symphonic Line Kraft amps?

Hi All;

I'm in the process of receiving a pair of Symphonic Line Kraft amps to power a pair of Dali Megalines (using a tube crossover). I'm currently using a Dodd battery powered preamp and am thinking about upgrading to either a Symphonic Line solid state amp (RG3 mk4) or the new CAT Renaissance (replaces the SL1 Ultimate mk 2?).

I'm guessing the best way to find out would be to use my ears if I can audition both units in my system, but these aren't items I can drive down the street to pick up...

Any thoughts would be appreciated though, especially regarding the SL preamps...
jonathan_s

Showing 5 responses by jonathan_s

jonathan_s OP
5 posts
 
Yes, I've spoken with Klaus - he said the SL solid state and tube preamps have a similar sound, but that if you are partial to tubes that the Erleuchtung is a perfect mate with the Kraft amps.
jonathan_s OP
5 posts
 
Bombaywalla;

I am in Houston should you ever make your way down to this part of the country...

I need 4 identical channels of amplification for the Dalis, so I needed 2 of the stereo Kraft amps. I'm guessing that I can't really go wrong with either a CAT or a Symphonic Line preamp, but I haven't really seen much on the web about the latter. I'd like to use a solid state amp and get away from tubes (it can get very expensive to use NOS tubes), but I'm not sure how much of a penalty would be paid to go to the RG3 mk4 vs using one of the tubed units.
jonathan_s OP
5 posts
 
Jay;

Thanks for the input - I have a tubed crossover that I'm using between the preamp and amp. I just looked at the specs and the output impedences are 600 ohms on the high pass and 180 ohms on the low pass. Hopefully that leaves me safe (over 15X on the high pass)... The new CAT Renaissance has switchable gain (I believe, I want to say between 15 and 26) and a 100 ohm output impedence.

Cheers...
jonathan_s OP
5 posts
 
Jay;

Thanks again for the observations - you're right that since the crossover is what's driving the amps that's what counts. I also have the stock solid state crossovers that come with the speakers and they have an output impedence of 50 ohms. I have to say that I much prefer the tube crossover - its input impedence is 60k, and the stock Dali crossover is 20k).
jonathan_s OP
5 posts
 
Bart;

Thanks for your reply - I was hoping I might hear from you as I'd seen a couple of your posts on Audio Asylum about auditioning the SL SS preamp and then purchasing their tubed unit.

Once I get the Kraft amps I'll have to see what happens using both the tubed and stock crossovers and then make my decision about going solid state or tubes when I upgrade my preamp.

Regards,

Jonathan
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