2. amps-preamps
  3. 128127-7795

Pre-amp upgrade time?

My current system: AR Ref110 tube amp, Cary slp03 pre, Cary cdp1 and ProAc Response D25.
I am getting Sony Hap-Z1ES this weekend. 
Music I like is mostly progressive rock and ambient electronic....
Love hearing wide soundstage, well defined instruments, clear vocals smack in the center but also quick, fast, tight bass.
Always tend to gravitate towards tubes but also felt in the past that they sometimes sound too slow and weak.... Wasn't happy with Cary 120 mk2, was OK with Sonic Frontier but didn't care for Pass Aleph 0s.(I know they are SS but sound like tubes).
Overall happy now but also ready for an upgrade..... I think that my amp is the strongest link in my system and while my CDP might be weakest...I think I would get most improvement if I look to upgrade my pre-amp.
What would you recommend and should I try to add SS preamp or stick to tubes?

Thanks
ether
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
Check out Backert Labs, they specialize in preamps and they sound great. I've heard them in a number of systems and they always have impressed. They also are good for tube rolling if you are into that. 
This is a newer smaller company and they will give you personal service. 
Someday I hope to own one of their preamps. Cheers,
Spencer
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,483 posts
 
..just can't understand why so many come to a " time to upgrade" situation.   If something doesn't work, or is irritating its time to move on, but to upgrade incrementally doesn't make sense to me.  Most times the new component is just different ....better in some respects, not as good in others.
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 
Sounds like a used ARC Ref 3 preamp would seem to be a natural fit for your ARC amp, and the sound you are describing that you seek.
 
 I totally agree. An ARC Ref preamp would be an excellent match. I own both a Ref 110 and Ref 5se, just superb together. 


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hk_fan
493 posts
 
I think the SLP-03 was one of Cary's weaker offerings.  The SLP-05 is lightyears better.  I'd put it toe to toe with the ARC REF preamps.
fred_s
30 posts
 
I agree with Spencer. I just visited Backert Labs last week to get my EAR 868 repaired. I got a chance to hear Bob's Rhumba preamp while there. Very impressive. The "fastest" and punchiest tube preamp I've heard most likely due to his patented innovative power supply plus, I'm sure, his careful build quality.
I should add, I have no financial connection to his company. I went to his facility on the recommendation of a few good folks on this forum about 2 months ago. To those people, I say thank you again.
Best, Fred
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