2. amps-preamps
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Updating my preamp.Frustrating..You Bet

Well its been over a month since I went on a mission to ,not only update ,but change from a SS preamp to a tube model.I thought I was ready..narrowed it down to 3 or 4 models..price range picked 2000-4000..had my wife convinced
that life would not be worth living without a decent tube preamp and off I went thinking the worst was behind me.
WRONG!!!!!!!
I'm in information overload and having nightmares about buying the wrong preamp ,only to have a better ,more transparent, more sonically pleasing beats other preamps 10x the price model appear out of nowhere.
I know you should let your ears do the buying but has anyone heard of a shop that has all preamps know to man?
Reviews,have you ever heard of a bad one?
Are smaller companies..ie Blue Circle..Opera..Reflection..Supratek,(spelling) know to make superior products?
In the 2000-4000 price range can I really go wrong.Everything has got to sound good ,for that kind of money.
I am very isolated therefore chances of auditioning numerous
preamps are slim to none.
I need direction and suggestions.The sooner the better.
thefalls1117
mdomnick
332 posts
 
Your right...too much to keep up with. I just did a major system reconfig, and went from a Lexicon DC1 to a Sonic Frontiers Line 1. As I dropped off my Lexicon, I wanted to take it back fearing the same as you...what if I made the wrong choice!?!?! Well, the Line 1 rocks, and I am happy. There are some quirks with the Line 1 I did not expect, but there will always be quirks. Some name brands I would recommend in your price range are Sonic Frontiers or BAT. I'm sure there are many others, but can't speak intelligently about them.

Nothing wrong with small companies...I'd recommend getting someone from that company on the phone and get a feel for them. I have been impressed with companies like Transparent, Tice, Von Schweikert and Tyler Acoustics since I always end up speaking with the owners.

Good luck.
jond's avatar
jond
5,689 posts
 
You don't live your life constantly second guessing every decision you make, do you? Well don't build your stereo like that either. This hobby is supposed to be fun, neurotically obsessing that you haven't bought the perfect component is the road to unhapiness and disaster. Everyone always knows the grass is always greener. So listen to what you can, find something you like, and enjoy it. Having said that,some small companines make great products and so do some larger companies. If you've amassed research, which it sounds like you have, select one of the three of four models you've narrowed it down to, choose one and be happy. And remember, if you ever decide to upgrade you can always sell it on Audiogon. Good luck!
musicslug
430 posts
 
In your price range, you could easily get a CAT SL1 mkIII. I auditioned about a half dozen preamps and the CAT was my favorite. It's reputation is well deserved. It is not excessively tube-y or overly dry, it's built like a tank, and really has no sonic signature except that it's not solid state. It sounds right for all types of music - and I listen to them all: classical, rock, jazz, electronic, ethnic, funk, blues, R&B etc. Plus, they hold their value well and the company is very responsive if you have issues...
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