2. amps-preamps
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Preamp recommendation please..

Hello,

I'm looking to buy a 2nd hand preamp, to match my Krell Evo 302e amp.
Speakers are Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand.
I like setups based on tube preamps and SS amps, but this is not a must.
Most important for me: Transparency, Musicality & Drive. Smooth sound, not thin or clinical.
Fully balanced models are preferred.
Budget is around $3k.
Any help and information would be greatly appreciated.

Tnx.



k302
herndonb
124 posts
 

Hi k320,

If your source budget was slightly higher, how about going straight to the top - Krell Cipher CD/SACD player!  You can message me for details.  It's AWESOME, will make the DVD-5000 sound positively broken.  The Cipher's level of detail is shocking.  The control, weight of everything, percussiveness...everything else sounds soft.

Pared with a CAST preamp you'd have the full setup.  :-)

-Brian

dsper
663 posts
 
I had an in house audition of a Krell 302 e with my Prima Luna Dialogue Premium  with CBS 12au7's. This is with Thiel CS5's. I thought that the Krell sounded a bit, well, shrill to my ears.

Whatever you do, get a test drive first if you can.

Dsper
aolmrd1241
1,042 posts
 
dsper, if you want to take the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium preamp to the next level,consider a pair of the NOS Philips 5R4GYS Rectifier Tubes. I use them and can’t recommend them highly enough... Just awesome.
dsper
663 posts
 

Hi aolmrd,

I have a pair that were in my old Prima Luna preamp so you are right that I should try them..

How would say that they change the sound?

Dsper

aolmrd1241
1,042 posts
 
Dsper,hello again.

Here is my post from another recent PL thread...Mark

"Just installed two of the Phillips 5R4GYS rectifier tubes into my PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium preamp. With only a few hours of break in time.. I would consider these a must have tube for this preamp. Right off the bat, the increase in sound quality is huge. The impression of a more natural tone to instruments and voice is just plain awesome. The emotion and feel across the board is something to behold. And all this from a brand new,unused...non broken in pair. WOW!

The music now has meat on the bones and a true quiet elegance to the sound that was hugely lacking with the stock PL 5AR4 version. The review from Positive Feedback is spot on and true to this NOS tubes virtues... If you can...get a pair ASAP,before they are g-o-n-e. I am very happy I took the plunge. Hearing is believing. "




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