2. amps-preamps
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Preamp suggestions for a McCormack DNA-125?

HI. Any preamp suggestions for a McCormack DNA-125? I just picked one up to try out. My speakers are Soliloquy 6.3's, and I listen mostly to jazz and classical, as well as some electronic music (mostly downtempo and ambient, some trance). I am looking for something with nice detail yet with some "meat on the bones".

Some preamps that I was considering were various models from ARC, the Joule LA-100, Wright preamp, C-J PFR or Premier 10. My budget is approximately $900. Tubes or SS would be okay. Thanks for the suggestions!

Scott
dawgcatching
mattybumpkin
590 posts
 
I had the DNA-125 paired with an Audible Illusions L-1, nice combo. The added feature of having adjustable gain on the pre was nice. $500 or $600 used.

I also demo'd the Eastern Electric Minimax with my McCormack, an excellent pre which is probably more in line with the requirement "nice detail yet with meat on the bones".

Brand new it is around your price.

Regards,
bgrazman
226 posts
 
I had great success pairing my McCormack DNA 0.5 with an ARC LS-7 (then when $ were available, upgraded to a Supratek Syrah).
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
RE "Just picked one up to try out": No matter what the pre, I've found it's important to leave this amp continuously powered-on for best sound, so I recommend giving at least 48 hours warm-up before passing final judgement or when auditioning complementary gear.
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