2. amps-preamps
  3. 1088433841

what preamp for Tenor 150Hps or 300Hp ?

As I consider the possibility of a Tenor 150Hps or 300HP amp to go with one of the lower end Kharma speakers, I wonder what preamps people have found to go well with this combination. I know it has often been shown in combination with the emm labs transport/DAC/pre and many seem to have personal experience with this. I will certainly consider this costly option. Alternatively, I would appreciate other recommendations for an appropriate preamp to consider with using a CD-only player.

Thank you.
thom_y
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
I hate to ask the obvious but, why don't you sell your DAC6e and get a DCC2? Your going to spend more then the difference between the two on the preamp alone(which you also get built in with the DCC2). Its also one less break in the signal path, which equates to fewer interconnects and power cords. You may take a small loss on the DAC6e, however, you would be further ahead by the time everything is said and done.
thom_y OP
195 posts
 
Tireguy,

Just to clarify things, right now I don't own anything. So, I was considering the options of the emm labs transport and a DCC2 vs. a very good CD-only player and a separate preamp. So, what I wanted were suggestions for a preamps that have apparent synergy with the Tenor hybrid amps.
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
well.....as the original Tenor/Kharma guy......i have always personally preferred my humble Placette passive RVC as the ultimate Tenor/Kharma preamp. i currently have the Tenor hybrid 300 mono's with Exquisite 1D's.

the beauty of the Tenor/Kharma combo is that it is 'complete' by itself.....anything 'added' diminishes the magic to some degree. nothing adds less than a single resistor in the signal path. i have compared the RVC to most everything out there regardless of price.....and for 2-channel it has always been my preference. there have been some good pre's that might do this or that better.....but the RVC gets me closest to the music.

i have not compared the DCC2 to my DAC6 with the RVC.....it could be as good or even better.

you can add the Placette RVC to any cdp or dac.....it's cheap and easy.....the only issue is to keep the interconnect from the RVC to the Tenors very short (1m or less).

if you are considering multi-channel then the emmlabs Switchman III is the only choice. in my new room i plan on combineing the RVC and the Switchman III.
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