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
teeshot OP
123 posts
 
Update:  Soix:  I called Krell and I can get a 16 foot CAST IC for 1950, which opens up that avenue.There is an EVO 202 preamp up for sale--any thoughts?

Karl:  I am bringing home an XP-22 next week for audition.

 RSF507: I remain interested in the Merrill.  Thanks again.
teeshot OP
123 posts
 
There is going on simultaneous to this thread, I high end preamp thread.  One that is mentioned is an EMM Pre-2.  Have never heard it though.  There is a lot of support for the Ayre KXR preamp in that thread, but when I have heard it I found it too dry for my taste.
soix
8,765 posts
 
@teeshot -- just a couple general thoughts. If you really like the 302e you’re obviously going to build on that significantly with the 202. What stuck in my craw was a review I read by Wes Philips way back when Krell first introduced CAST. He used the amp and pre in normal mode and liked what he heard, but when he went into Current Mode he went all GaGa. I never forgot that, which is why I brought it up here, and I have to believe that advantage could help the 202 to be competitive with some other very good pres. Seems like synergy on steroids in a way. Last, seems like a heckuva deal on the 202. That’s all I got. Best of luck in whatever you choose.

BTW, just noticed there's someone selling 15.5' CAST cable on EBay.  Might be a lot cheaper...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/223453997901?ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F7...
teeshot OP
123 posts
 
Soix— you rock.  Thx
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I have heard several Krell preamps, KAV-280P, HTS 7.1, S1200U, Illusion II, Phantom I.  They are all excellent, but I would avoid the lower cost models as their power supply is typically undersized (i.e. KAV-280P, Phantom III).  In my opinion, there is a "magic" from the sound of Krell preamps that are not available in any other devices, but I do understand that they are not for everyone.  Since you are coming from an ultra-clear ultra-high-resolution Esoteric preamp, I would concur with soix's recommendations on Krell preamps.  I have even heard the Phantom I mated with an Evo402e amp - sounds awsome!!
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The 202/222 preamps can be had for cheap (they are basically previous generation to the Phantom series).  Excellent buys, but they are getting just a little bit old - can be 10-11 years old.  The Krell Illusion that soix mentioned for $8400 would be an absolutely awsome device, but it is over your budget (unless you want to stretch).  I think that's about as good as you can get.  And I will mention that I heard all Krell preamps using standard XLR cables (I never heard what CAST can do or if it sounds different at all).
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