2. amps-preamps
  3. 177100-172731

Sunday dreaming about preamps...

I am closing in on a turntable choice, so now I am thinking about what I see as the next weak point in my system. Right now, I have sources feeding an Audio Research SP16L which feeds an Art Audio PX-25 power amp and Blumenhofer Genuin FS2s. The SP16 was ARC’s entry level pre-amp years ago and definitely a good start, but I am thinking that’s the place where I can get better.

With that in mind, aiming for tube designs, I looked at a couple of preamps both priced at ~$10k which I know for some here would be a step down but for me would be very much at the upper limit right now.

Local dealers trade in ARC, Aesthetix, BAT, Hegel, NAD, Quicksilver, PrimaLuna, Quad, Rogue, Rotel and some others which are only SS.

On an initial search. the BAT VK-80 and the ARC LS28se, would seem to both be candidates to aspire to. Who wins that shootout? What else should I consider?

saulh
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 

McCormack VRE-1 preamp!

bigkidz
3,387 posts
 

For $10K I would build you whatever type of preamp you would like point-to-point wired, Audio Note Resistors and capacitors, V-Caps, chokes, etc., even direct Heated Triode if you prefer that also.

 

Happy Listening.  

joey_v
663 posts
 

Ref 40 here

knighttodd's avatar
knighttodd
203 posts
 

The ls28se is an awesome and very dynamic unit. I love mine. It has a very tight and musical grip on my 4 amplifiers. Should be getting the upgraded remote soon.  I went from a ref 5 to this unit.

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
278 posts
 

Larryi mentioned the Allnic L-3000.  I had a used L-3000MkII that I sold for a used L-7000SE that I sold for a new L-8000DHT.

There is a significant step up to the L-7000, you can get one used for around $ 7500.  It is a really nice product.  It checks the boxes, deep tight bass, airy holographic upper end.  Very low distortion.

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