2. amps-preamps
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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
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.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
My findings on Esoteric X-01 are posted on the following thread:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1090867688&read&keyw&zzesoteric
There exists a slim chance that I might be able to compare X-01 with the P70 D70 combo tomorrow. If this happens, I will report my findings.
audiogoon
68 posts
 
Guido

Interested to know the circumstances and equipment with your VTL session. I agree it can be a little soft with the stock tubes, but with Telefunken 12ax7's and some other little tweaks it's tough to beat, especially paired with the Krell. A professional musician and I both ended up purchasing this preamp after extensive auditioning and direct head to head comparisons with ARC Ref2 Mk II preamp, and Krell KCT. Yes, it was softer sounding with the stock tubes, but interestingly, and the deciding track for both of us was a piano piece by Chopin! The VTL doesn't impress with HIFI attributes but communicates subtle musical cues with aplomb that other world class pre's miss entirely. The synergy of VTL preamp with Krell amps is the important thing here in my opinion, as all the gear being discussed is good on it's own. If you haven't heard it, beg borrow or steal a unit to hear on your amp at all costs!
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Audiogoon, I heard VTL 7.5 at Sound by Singer in N.y. Front end was DCS Verdi, Elgar, Purcell with Firewire interconnects. Power amps were BAT monoblocks--sorry do not remember model. Speakers wereJM Labs Utopia Altos. I suspect suspect tubes on VTL were stock. One concern I have about VTL 7.5 is reliability and service. Vibs I get about VTL in this arena are mixed.
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
Guidocorona:

For what it's worth. I have had two brands of power amps in my system over the past four years. A Krell 200 FPB and VTL 300 Deluxe Mono Blocks and both have needed repairs and returned to the factory. Each company was easy to deal with and customer service minded. Both companies went out of there way to make sure I was happy with their product. Over the years I have dealings with many audio related firms regarding repairs and Krell and VTL have been the best in every way.
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