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Pre-amp recommendation

Hi
My 2 channel reference setup is almost complete.
I'm looking for a suitable pre-amp to complete the setup.
A few that I'm considering :
Cary SLP 05 (used)
Cary 98
Pass Labs X02 (used)
Budget is limited to $5K.
Any other brands are also acceptable

My setup
Source : Esoteric K01
Pre-am : Densen B200 (for now)
Amps : Threshold SA/1 mono blocks ( Mids & Highs)
Sub Amp : Gallo Ref SA
Speakers : Gallo 5LS

It's almost impossible for me to audition so any help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks

128x128shahzada123
thankful
223 posts
 
I have owned the Coincident Statement, First Sound MKIII, Sanders, Parasound JC-2 all of which are great line-stages. My favorite and most musical is the Exemplar Exception from Exemplar Audio. Call John Tucker he can provide some guidance. I believe they are around $4500.
shahzada123's avatar
shahzada123 OP
10 posts
 
I'm using 2 PS1200 A/C Regenerators to feed the system so... almost off grid. Battery power is not an absolute necessity here.
BTW, the Regenerators made a significant difference in the overall sound clarity.
Also the room has been treated acoustically, which was the biggest improvement.

Now for some pre amp researchÂ….
unsound
7,332 posts
 
Many claim that Threshold amps work very well with Audio Research's pre-amps.
I'm not familiar with the Gallo Ref SA. I believe it has RCA inputs. Will you need two pairs of RCA outputs from the pre-amp to connect to both the Threshold and Gallo amps?
sabai
2,027 posts
 
I can highly recommend the Audio Horizons preamp. Beautiful sound and A+ customer service.
shahzada123's avatar
shahzada123 OP
10 posts
 
After almost a month of research, I've decided to go with Conrad Johnson.
Initially thought of an ET3 or ET5 used, but then decided to increase the budget and go for the GAT!!!
Wish me luck guys.
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