2. amps-preamps
  3. 157819-1301

Itching to upgrade preamp...

I'm thinking the preamp might be the weak link at this point... Today I'm using a Pass X0.2 preamp.

The rest of the setup:
Pass XA60.5
Audio Physic Avanti III
PS Audio DirectStream Sr (with bridge2)
PS Audio PerfectWave transport

All interconnects are Cardas Clear XLR. Speaker cables are Cardas Clear Beyond. Power cords are Cardas Clear to everything except amps, which is Clear Beyond. All power is through a PS Audio PP12.

I'm thinking i may want to try a tube preamp with this... although I'm open to solid state as well
128x128audiojan
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,132 posts
 
Since you get as many recommendations as you do responses, I will throw mine in the ring. I highly recommend the latest version of the Don Sachs Model 2 preamplifier. Hard to believe you can get sound this good for so little $$.

Oz



audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
402 posts
 
Lots of very interesting suggestions! I guess I need to find a bunch of dealers within driving distance and simply test them out.

The test with the PrimaLuna EVO400 (yes, I ran it fully balanced... just swapped the cables from my X0.2 and also grabbed the power cord, so about as equal as you can get) gave me new appreciation for the Pass pre... it's pretty good, but I wish it could give just a bit more space and maybe a smidgen of "tube glow"
soix
9,456 posts
 
+1 Sachs SP14 preamp May well provide those tube attributes you mentioned.  He offers a two-week trial period, which is obviously a big plus.  Downside I there’s probably a wait until you can get one.  Best of luck in your search.  
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,806 posts
 
There are balanced line tube preamps out there.

Be advised that most high end audio products don't support the balanced line standard even though they are balanced. If they support the standard, things like ground loops go away and audible cable differences are minimized. When the standard is not supported you can still have ground loops and you may have to pick the right cable to get the system to sound right.
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drrsutliff
858 posts
 
I am going to agree with @three_easy-payments suggestion of the VAC Renaissance V.  I use the transformer coupled balanced outputs to drive an Ayre VX-5/20 with excellent results.  The phono section that is an option is also excellent. 
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