what preamp for Tenor 150Hps or 300Hp ?

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.

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.

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.

Mike,

First, it is great to hear from the "father" of this Tenor/Kharma 'cult'.

I am intrigued by your suggestion of the Placette RVC ... obviously, the notion of preamp vs. no preamp is quite contentious. Admittedly, I am very new to this high-end spectrum and come to this forum to try to learn from people like you and others. Yet, I am confused as some seem to argue the pre may be one of the most important components in the chain, while others seem more than happy to use a passive volume control like the Placette or the volume control on their CD player. Perhaps, when you get in the league of Tenor/Kharma the preamp is less important and may possibly only take away from the "magic" of the rest of the system. That is interesting, as it may make it easier to swallow buying the Tenor amp, if I can avoid an expensive preamp ! The Placette RVC is only 1000 bucks !

To start with I think I want to audition the emm labs transport/DACC2 for my system, but I would be still interested to hear other suggestions for an alternative preamp or others experiences as well.

Thanks for all of the help so far.