2. amps-preamps
  3. 134616-89928

Stereo Preamp to pair with Carver

I'm looking to upgrade from my current Emotiva PT-100 Preamp to something with more life. 

I am currently running 2 Carver TFM-35x Amps that have been fully refurbished and upgraded.
My current Speakers are DefTech BP2002TL and are bi-amp driven by the Carvers. 

I listen to mainly vinyl utilizing a ProJect RPM-1 with Ortofon 2M Blue cart. 
Occasionally listen to CD's utilizing Oppo 103. 
Some digital streaming utilizing a PS4. 

I have a Mofi Phono Preamp on standby as well. 

I'd like to stay under $1k and prefer used, as you usually get more for you money in that realm. 

Thanks in advance. 
128x128dustin_collman
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Dustin, check out a Doge 8 clarity ,or a Modwright SWL 9.0 sig , or a Dehavilland Ultraverve 3. Whether you can spring for a new one ($1400) or find these in used form the Doge and Modwright would be right in your budget of $1000.  Any of these would inject some real warmth and musicality to your system.

http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/UltraVerve-Preamplifier.htm

Matt M


dustin_collman's avatar
dustin_collman OP
56 posts
 
Matt, thank you for the input, I had Modwright on my radar but have never seen or heard Doge or Dehavilland. 

Although all of these options still leave me without a digital RCA or optical input. 


dustin_collman's avatar
dustin_collman OP
56 posts
 
Anyone else have opinions on this?
adg101
1,062 posts
 
Once owned a Modwright SWL 9.0 SE and it is a killer preamp for the money. I’ve listened to many preamps at twice or more the money that didn’t come close to the Modwright. The Modwright has great PRAT and will keep you up late at night. Very musical preamp.One of the best values out there. You don’t see them for sale often for good reason.
4hannons's avatar
4hannons
187 posts
 
+1 Dehavilland Ultraverve 3 highly recommended. With the NOS Sylvania VT231/6SN7GT it hits the next level of being sweet and delicate. Offers the  transparency of a passive, and a huge soundstage. IMO you will not be disappointed with this pre.
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