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Pre amp for Krell FPB & Teac P-70 & D-70??

Hi everyone,
since many of You are so versed in this hobby
- i ask Your advice!
I search a line preamp for my system.
I can't say i am all keen on tube amps & pre amps,
ofcourse i could always reconsider!
So anyone,
suggestions for a great (line) transistor pre amp
(or tube)??
My system includes:
Krell FPB 600C
and
Teac/Esoteric P-70 & D-70.
I use a protype speaker,
close resemblance to Kharma midi grand or Avalon Eidolon.
Speakerwire is fixed and interconnect and digital cables is high resolution silver cables.
They sound close to Nordost better cables!
Only say they are used by Abby Road Studios, among others!
If we could exclude any cable discussion in this,
it would be great!
Cd/ digital pre - is further connected to
a mainstransformer and i use highgrade powercords.
Sounds Designs, audiophile weight matched feets for monitor and bass modules.

So, i will try to explain what i think is the problem!
Sound tends to become somewhat a little anemic
and i think overly analytic/ a little on the cold/dry side!
Mainly You become focused to detailed listening,
which somehow distracts You from the overall experience!
I want more of a fuller and warmer sound, loads of attack!
The system reacts instanly and to a too extreme extent,
(- i dare say it become so in the long run!)
at the quality of the recording/mixing!
I feel some of the analog sense is a little lost here!
Again, i wish to add warmth & body for mid
and bass could be fuller and more extended,
aswell as giving more attack!

Thanks for looking into this matter!
128x128inpieces
audiogoon
68 posts
 
Been there and done the KCT with the Krell 600 and 750. I might also suggest you pick up a Transparent Pixl to plug your amp into to fix the analytic/dry/thin sound you are describing. It takes the 600 to another level entirely more refined, rounded, warmer and more liquid. Reeds and wood instruments have more body and roundedness. It calms down the slightly aggressive sound of the Krell to make it sound like a 600 watt triode amp. very very nice.

Also, as I did try the KCT with the FPB750 mcx I would suggest that with the sound your are complaining about it would be the absolute wrong preamp. I'd go for a VTL 7.5 or 5.5 (maybe a little noisy) and never look back which has balanced outputs unlike some other preamps that run tubes. I don't know if the Hovland outputs balanced but the use of an adapter would interfere with the purity of the signal.

At least try to pixl first. I believe you can find them used for around $1k. I'd reckon a comment that anyone who has a 600 and hasn't had one on it has not heard what the big Krell can do.

I would strongly suggest a tubed preamp also for the sound you're looking for as well. I have heard the BAT pres which are extremely good and have balanced outs but think the VTL would be more of what you're looking for based on your comments. The BAT's which use supertubes can lean towards a very solid state sound themselves.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
InPieces, I am going to audition the BAT 51SE and the Conrad Johnson ACT2 in a couple of weeks. The preamp would eventually be connected to a Teac Esoteric X-01 that I am planning to acquire early in the new year. I will report findings on this thread. I have listened to the VTL 7.5, but found it far to soft. It made a Steinway piano sound like a Blutner with the lid closed and covered by a heavy blanket.
edavis's avatar
edavis
20 posts
 
I'm using a Pass Aleph P with my Krell FPB 200. This preamp can be hard to find, but are reasonable (1,500USD) when you do. That single class A MOSFET design, with balanced outputs is a good fit to warm up a Krell.
inpieces's avatar
inpieces OP
199 posts
 
Well, Guidocorona. I guess i will wait and see what Your experience is, also which amp You'll find to be the better matching one of the two!?
Perhaps You could tell a little more of what Your system looks like!?
Such as speakers and what kind of power amp You are using?
Have You experienced the Esoteric P-70 & D-70?
If yes, maybe You could tell me what differ the X-01 from the combo!

Thanks to all who shared experiences and opinions in this matter!
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Inpieces, my current system is as follows: EAD T1000, with C-Core Glass AT&T-type wire to EAD DSP7000 Mk3. Audio Research LS2B, Jeff Rowland 7M series 2 with trans-impedence modules, MagnePan IIIA.
I have heard Esoteric X-01, but not P70, D70. X-01 sounded amazing. My complete findings are in an Esoteric thread. If you do not find it I will paste the URL the next time around. I have heard reports that P70, D70 may be slightly better, but you have to deal with 3 interconnects between the two boxes, and no SACD. By the way, SACD on X-01 was in fact stunning.
I will likely upgrade front end to X-01. And I might be able also to upg either pre or amp, but not both.
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