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Specific Pre-Amp advice


I would really like to get some help from the Forum. Late 2017 early 2018 I am getting a new pre-amp. My options to hear gear are low (common issue). Probably be buying blind which I have done in the past in conjunction with research. Here is the run down. 

Budget: 2500 possibly pushed to 3k. Looking for used gear (pretty much ruling out new).

1. I am leaning heavily toward a tube pre.
2. I would like a remote but its not a deal breaker if it gets me better SQ
3. Line stage only. Don't really need a phono stage as I have a stand alone
4. It needs to be active. 
5. Feeding SS amp with 100k input impedance 
6. Primary used with Vinyl front end. Would like it to handle three sources. (Radio, Dac/CD and Input for TT)
7. 2 channel only no pass through needed or wanted. 
8. Single Ended RCA Connection. My amp does not have true balance connections 

Current System 

VPI Prime 
SS Aida Cart
MS Nova Phomoma 
Exposure 17
Exposure Dual Reg 4
Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grands 

I am looking to get more resolution. A more liquid sound. Bigger soundstage and get more of the recording space into my room. 

My preference is for an open/transparent neutral sound slightly tipped to the warm side in the highs. Slight roll off maybe. I like a fast quick musical sound with tight quick bass. Not looking for tube romance or rounded bass. I absolutely would like to stay away from bright sounding gear. Also super etched is not to my thing. I fall in the musicality camp. 

Any suggestions that would help me achieve this sound would be appreciated. These qualities defiantly take system matching into account. Pretty happy right now but I think I can do better.



darkstar1
darkstar1 OP
180 posts
 


Still taking suggestions.

Foey it may be a mistake but I have basically bought my whole system blind and at the right price. Its failed me 1 time and I sold the gear for a very small loss. 2nd I have made trips to San Francisco and tired to hear gear and was treated terribly. So I would Never schedule a trip to a dealer as they are hit or miss. I would do an audio show. 

Right now I am looking  looking at: 

Lienaer Tube Audio MZ2 - 2. I would buy new with 15 day trial

The other is not tubed. Seriously considering going with a Pass Labs XP-10 or just getting the INT 60 and hopefully calling it a day. 


randy-11
1,913 posts
 
one more: Ayre
darkstar1 OP
180 posts
 
I am familiar with Ayre. 

My closest friend has the K-1x5 pre into 5 series amp. 

He has the Ayre Phono and VPI Classic with similar cart into Golden Ear Triton 1s. 

I respect it. I am trying to get that type off resolution and added smoothness. A little too rich and warm for my taste. I also like more typical SS bass.  
gregfisk
118 posts
 
I did hear the Don Sachs SP14 pre in my system mentioned earlier in this thread and it is the most open sounding pre I have ever heard. I would go to Don’s web site and also Audio Circle and read all of the reviews. He custom builds them for you and I’m told he is a great guy. I read somewhere in the reviews that someone compared the SP14 to I believe the ARC LS-25 Mk II pre mentioned above and they said it was no comparison. I have not heard Arc gear myself so can’t comment on the differences. Here’s a link, the great thing about buying from a small company owner is you don’t pay the at least 50% mark up the big names charge, so you get way better parts and custom products you just can’t get from the big guys. http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html
good luck with your purchase whatever you decide.

Greg
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
This article might help:

http://www.dagogo.com/boppin-down-memory-lane-preamps



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