2. amps-preamps
  3. 1110705512

Used Pre-amp advise please....

Hi,
It turns out that I need your advices once again...
I recently just upgraded my B&W N805 to a pair of Dunlavy Alethas (and decided to put them in my living room which I believe is big enough to accomodate them). My current system (tight-budget system):
Jadis JD-3 CD
AudioNote DAC 2
Krell KSP-7B
Krell KSA250
Cardas Neutral Ref & Nordost BlueHeaven RCA
Cardas Quadlink cable speakers
I am quite ok with the system until I heard the combination of Conrad-Johnson PV10a with my Krell, which turned out to be very musical, detail, and sweet (lack of bass & soundstage, a bit lean). A huge improvement over my krell ksp-7b.... Since I virtually have spent all of my $ for the Dunlavys, I could not afford a better pre than a used one (my Ksp-7B is only worth $550 at my dealer). My current choices are: CJ PV10a ($750), CJ PF-2 ($800) or Sonic Frontier SFL-2 ($1000). My concern is the CJs are quite low-ends (non-replaceable power cord) while the SFL-2 is quite old (1996, and the comp have been brankrupt). Any sugestion among those pre-amps? Thanks in advance....

Regards

Adinata
atjandra888
hammertone_audio
16 posts
 
My experiences with the SFL2 have been extremely happy ones. It does so many things right and seems to synergize well with many amps. The build quality reeks of class , just plug and play !
As Sogood points out, 1000 is optimistic...these units stack up to the heavy hitters out there.
Good luck Adinata
listener57
730 posts
 
There is an Aronov LS-9000 preamplifier currently on sale, with an $800 asking price, that should make you very happy, as it is not a compromise despite its reasonable price as a used Audiogon item.
You can do your own trading here on Audiogon, and come out with a more amazing preamp to enjoy well into the future.
Why not have the best bass, soundstaging, and dip ypur toes into the tube waters, all at the same time?
listener57
730 posts
 
"ypur" equals "your" in the strange world of non-touch typists :>)
c123666
871 posts
 
Suggest you consider Audible Illusions Modulus 3A, VTL Ultimate (if you can find one), and used Convergent Audio Technology preamps.
jimburger
104 posts
 
I would suggest an ARC Sp-14. Has a killer phono stage and a very nice FET linestage. ARC products are built to last and they support everything in their line ever produced. You should be able to find one on Audiogon or Ebay for around $1000. I think it is pretty close to the best and a screaming bargain. Different kind of sound than CJ house sound. ARC is precise, detailed, harmonically correct, has plenty of "bloom", possess good dynamic shading but tends more to neutral versus euphonic like CJ. In addition if the preamp does not work well in the context of your system, you should not have any problem reselling it for what you paid for it.
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