I think you could find a used or floor sample McIntosh C47 which is outstanding with good phono stages and a good dac.
Best Preamp New or Used up to $3,000 ??
Okay I am listening. The models I am looking at are:
Audible Illusions L3 .$2,000+
Aesthetic Calypso.$2,000+.
Prima Luna Dialogue $2,200
EAR 834L.$1,700.
Benchmark LA4 (New) $2,600.
McIntosh 2500.$4,000 (Over budget but has tone controls and Phono stage)
Other Equipment: Cary MK 120-s, Oppo 205, Older Tannoys FSMs-very efficient.
Music I enjoy: Vocals, 70 db, Near field position.
So if you have owned any of the above, please share your experience.
I am attracted to these brands as they seem to place value on things related to musicality.
Separate quality Power supply, Dual Mono setup, Quality components. Remotes (except EAR)
So what am I not valuing that I should be?
Thanks in advance.
Audible Illusions L3 .$2,000+
Aesthetic Calypso.$2,000+.
Prima Luna Dialogue $2,200
EAR 834L.$1,700.
Benchmark LA4 (New) $2,600.
McIntosh 2500.$4,000 (Over budget but has tone controls and Phono stage)
Other Equipment: Cary MK 120-s, Oppo 205, Older Tannoys FSMs-very efficient.
Music I enjoy: Vocals, 70 db, Near field position.
So if you have owned any of the above, please share your experience.
I am attracted to these brands as they seem to place value on things related to musicality.
Separate quality Power supply, Dual Mono setup, Quality components. Remotes (except EAR)
So what am I not valuing that I should be?
Thanks in advance.
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- 43 posts total
Since I repair many audio products monthly, you would be hard pressed to find something that has the sound of an old Counterpoint SA-5 preamp. They can be upgraded with ease to sound even better. All tube design and they sound fantastic. Or you can get an SA-2000 and send it to me and I can upgrade the unit for you to sound like nothing you ever heard in the price range you are looking at. Happy Listening. |
firstnot Lets look at this with some sanity, no-one else has yet. 1: Oppo 205 voltage output 2.1v se 4.2v xlr 2: Cary120 sensitivity only 1.2v in for full output, at 100kohm input z 3: Tannoy FMS 97db efficiency!!! Look at this closely, the last thing you need is an active preamp with even more gain, you’ll be at 8 o’clock for full ear spitting output. What you need is a preamp with little or no gain or a passive preamp. And that 100kohm input impedance on the Cary means anything will drive it. Cheers George |
- 43 posts total