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Pre-amp suggestions

I have an aragon 4004 mkll and a pair of paradigm studio 100 v2's and a cal audio labs icon mk11. Anyone have any suggestions on a good pre-amp match for this set up. I was considering a little CJ PV-10 just to try. Very inexpensive way to see how a tube pre might sound with my set up. Thing is i dont want to lose the bass punch but like to smooth out that top end. But then again i might lose detail and air using a tube pre as well. Any suggestions would be most appreciated Thanks
kool39
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
You should gain detail and air with a tubed pre-amp; at least that has been my experience.The ss amp should provide the bass punch / control you seek.

The CJ PV-10 is a very good tubed pre for the money. That is where I started and ultimately ended up with the Premier 16ls II. I am currently running a tubed pre and ss amp with very good results. The soundstaging is amazing with substantial timbre (air) around the instruments. The ss amp provides plenty of bass with good control. And the the tubed pre brings out the inner detail I am looking for. I listen primarily to classical (symphonies and chamber music) with some jazz (female vocals) thrown in. Hope I could help.

Chuck
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I brought home the CJ 14 to demo some time ago. I thought it was pretty poor sonic-wise and wasn't impressed with it's build quality either.

To be nice, I thought it's presentation was quite subdued to say the very least.

My guess is the concerns you mention above are valid.

-IMO
bigtee
803 posts
 
If you are not into phono, get a used Audible Illusions L-1 preamp. It really settles the sound through ss amps. Very open and transparent without a lot of tube tubiness. If anything, you'll gain openness and transparency. I don't think you will lose the bottom end at all.
If you are into phono, go with the M3A. These pre's offer excellence for the money. You can pick up an L1 for about $650-700 used. It originally sold for $2195. I used it with my McCormack's and now use it with my big Theta. I would buy another preamp but I honestly can't see why. The Audible is that good. I have tried it against a lot of others and I've stayed with it.
paulwp
585 posts
 
The CJ PV-10 is fine. Other choices not mentioned above might be an Anthem Pre1, Pre1L, or Pre2L if you want tubes, or a CJ solid state. You won't lose any bass or air with the Anthems. Very extended frequency response, very dynamic, very nice. Same with the CJ solid state. The PV-10 is a little warmer and softer. I had an AI M3a, and sold it because (1) I liked the Anthem Pre2L better (2) tubes don't last as long in the AI, and (3) the as tested output impedance of the AI was close to 2kohms, which could lead to a low bass roll-off with amps with low input impedance (one of mine has 10kohm input impedance).

Paul
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