2. amps-preamps
  3. 1436845499

What's your "diminishing returns" preamp choice?

What preamp would you consider is at the point of diminishing returns for you? I realize this is a vague and subjective question, but I think it will be interesting to hear the answers.

Of course, a $10,000 preamp will (probably) sound better than a $1,000 preamp but everyone has a different point at which they feel they have spent enough money. In some cases, one may feel that there isn't a significant difference between a $2k piece and a $10k piece to justify such a purchase.

I've noticed that there are some gems in the audio world that defy their price point. For instance, Apogee Centaurs, Halfer 9505 etc. I've always found such pieces fascinating.
woofer72
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Hi Spencer

I understand there is a drawing for the 3K Backert Labs preamp. They also have a 7K model with some very interesting features. Check out this link.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=131221.msg1452775;topicseen#new
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
Hi Michael,

Yes, that link sums it up pretty nicely. I've heard both the Backert Labs preamps and agree with the heart of the PFO review. Didn't get to roll any tubes, and IME that implies an even higher ceiling. I like the clever magnetic "pop-top" in the luxury model.

FWIW, Backert is no rookie. He has been doing mods to Conrad Johnson and many other top brands for decades under his other business RHB http://www.rhbsound.com/. Since Bob is a member of our local Philly area audio club (www.paagonline.org), I can say from personal experience that you won't find a more credible, humble and talented guy in the business. Many people I know have raved for years about Bob's ability to improve the sonics of their high end preamps & amps.

I hope to check out their room at Capitol Audio Fest w/Martin Logan. Cheers,
Spencer
kbuzz
214 posts
 
I'd love to hear the backert preamps. Bob repaired my joule a while back and was great to work with
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
988 posts
 
+1, Socfan12 and Cerrot.
The Ayre k--5xeMP pulls everything together making the whole a whole lot better than the sum of its parts. An absolute bargain at about $3.5k.
:) J.
bapcha
2 posts
 
I'm with SOCFAN12 here. I bought an Ayre K5XE-MP from a Bethesda Maryland Retailer (who sells their trade-in stuff on A'gon). I have it paired with a Bryston 14BSST, and a logitech transporter (playing mostly FLAC files and Apple lossless).

Vanishingly low levels of noise, absolutely musical. I tried swapping out the K5XE-MP with a KXR-Twenty (that costs twenty thousand) and there was no audible difference (to me). Self-built cables (refuse to pay stupid money for copper wire coated with fairy dust)

The K5Xe-MP is in my system to stay. I also like the fact that the serial number was "penned in" with a "Sharpie" :-)
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