2. amps-preamps
  3. 148234-535

Solid State Preamp Under $8000

I generally buy a piece of equipment that has been out for about four years and keep it for about 5 to 6 years. In this manner I get the fun of buying a new (used) piece of equipment every year and not paying retail prices. 

I have had my Esoteric C-03 preamp for 5 years and am considering replacing it with a newer model.  I have liked this unit a lot.  It sounds great and is a joy to use.  Why replace it then?

Well if there is something out there used for $8000 or less used that will give even greater transparency than the C-03, I would be a buyer. In general, the voicing of my current set up seems spot on. 

 I would prefer a single box unit if at all possible because of limitations on rack space and interconnect length. I do not want to risk a lateral move at this level of investment.  

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Current System: 
Feickert Firebird/ Reed 3P/ Ortofon Anna
Audio Research Reference Phono 2 SE
Esoteric C-03
Krell Evolution 302e
TAD Evolution Ones
Esoteric X-03se




teeshot
rsf507
2,445 posts
 
How about the Merrill Christine pre? Have heard it in a friends system and this review was spot on:
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/christine-preamplifier-merrill-audio/
There’s one FS on Agon at below your budget, something to consider. (Not affiliated with seller in any way)
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
You can't go wrong with a Pass Preamp but why not an ARC? The LS 28 is an excellent unit and right in your price range unless you want to shoot for a used Ref 6. You have their Phono amp after all. I love your tonearm. Brilliant design. How do you Like it? The Anna is almost Koetsu stiff. If you have not already you should check you resonance frequency with a test record. Adding some weight getting both lateral and vertical frequencies just below 10 Hz will really add some kick to your bass.
mrdecibel
3,168 posts
 
Have you considered trying a high end passive unit ( could experiment with a cheapy first ). I did, and cannot go back. But, this is me, and my own experience.
auxinput
2,921 posts
 
You could be right on the Pass preamp voicing.  Every single time I have seen or heard a Pass Labs preamp, it's been attached to a Pass Labs amp, so I have not been able to get a good handle on the actual voicing.
soix
10,348 posts
 
Was thinking you might benefit from being able to use Krell's current mode and cast system if you get a Krell preamp.  Since you're looking for a single box, here's an Evolution 222 available now...
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649506480-krell-evolution-222-stereo-preamplifier/  but there are some Evo 202s available too.  Then again, there's also this special situation on an $18k Krell Illusion preamp...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9df6c-krell-illusion-solid-state

Also, here's a nice Vitus pre that retailed for over $14k in your price range.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9d723-vitus-audio-rd-100-reference-series-dac-preamplifier-in-g...

Best of luck!
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