Thank you. Thank you for the recommendation of the AR Ref 5SE, I have heard and read many great things about it. If found, I might even jump up to the Ref Anniversary Edition. Yes, ultimately I may go the one manufacturer route. All AR, all CJ, or all Asthetix would be possible. I couldn't agree more regarding cables. Ten or so years ago I demo's many different cables. I let my wife be the judge as I had not told her what any of them cost. I was amazed by her comments such as what did you do, the sound is dull, or what did you do, I've never heard those details in that song before. I knew the prices and felt that I may be swayed in my decision.
Help in deciding which tube preamp to replace my old SFL-2
I'm a long time audiophile. I am finally admitting that it is time to upgrade my tube preamp. For many years it has been my beloved Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 which was upgraded at Parts Connexxion about eight years ago and five years ago I changed out the 6922's to Siemens Rohre CCA tubes. Still sounds wonderful, but it's time. I am exclusively a vinyl listener and my system is: Nottingham table with Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum cartridge. Aesthetix Rhea Signature phono preamp fed to the SFL-2 via balanced interconnects. Primaluna EVO 400's as monoblocks with new KT88's and vintage European small tubes. I also still have my Levinson 27.5 and 23 SS amps. Speakers are Avalon Acoustics Opus. All cables are Transparent Audio Ultras. Musical preference is mostly classic rock; Steely Dan, Dire Straits, Cars, Eric Clapton, etc... but have over 3,000 LP's and do listen to Sinatra quite often. Love string guitars. I plan to buy used, and my budget is around $10K. I've narrowed it down to the following: VTL 7.5 (III), CJ GAT, AR Ref 5SE of Ref 6, Concert Fidelity CF-080 LSX V3, or an Aesthetix Callstio Eclipse.
I respect all comments, criticisms, and suggestions. Thank you.
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- 36 posts total
- 36 posts total