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Help With New Preamp Decision

Like most of us, I am constantly in the process of slowly (as funds allow) upgrading my system to what most would consider "mid fi" or low end "hi fi". I have been reading a lot lately on the subject of SQ upgrades, and what comes up frequently is that the preamplifier might be the foundation of moving to the next level as I upgrade.

True or not, that is the direction I have decided to go....my virtual system is listed. And yes I know I need to upgrade other components as well, so I'd like to keep this on the idea of a preamp.

In doing a LOT of research, I've come across several preamps that I am most interested in and would appreciate some ideas/thoughts/input/recommendations. I want fully balanced XLR with RCA inputs and outputs,  be tube based, and I have no need or desire for a phone input. Max budget is $6,000.....or just a few shekels more.

(1) Aric Audio Motherlode XL $6,125 - Incredible reviews, Aric has a phenomenal reputation, and seems to be an all around great builder in this field - https://aricaudio.com/products.php?product=MLXL

(2) Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4 $5,000 - I have this lower on my wish list, as it is Backert's entry level preamp, what I'd really like is the Rhumba Extreme....but no way I can justify the $8,500 price. And finding a used Rhumba Extreme 1.3 has proved impossible, though I'm not opposed to it. 

(3) Don Sachs and Lynn Olson new Raven (Revolution) preamp $5,000 - His reputation alone makes this preamp important, and he is an all around great and giving guy of his time. I've communicated several times with Don, and he flat out tells me this is the best preamp he has ever designed by far and is a "cost no object" project. I think that production starts Jan/Feb this year (being built by Spatial Audio Labs) 

 

(4) Atma-Sphere MP3 Mk 3.3 $5,650 - Venerable favorite, it's a well known and well reviewed product http://www.atma-sphere.com/en/mp-3.html

(5) Linear Tube Audio MicorZOTL $5,750 with balanced inputs and Level 2, see this well reviewed and well thought of brand a lot  

 

Thank you in advance for your input

vthokie83
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,377 posts
 

On my long and winding preamp journey I have settled on the Zanden 3100.  It's just right for me and has almost all the features I want minus the balance control. Just the right balance between the tube pre amps and solid state I tried.  I am happy and got the matching amp and things have taken a big step up.  I spent time with and owned Schit Freya +, AR REF 6, Cary SLP05 ultimate, Rotel Michi, Benchmark LA4.  The little 3100 is the goldilocks sound of the bunch and suits my lifestyle as it doesn't run like a space heater and only has 2 small tubes.  Remote can turn it on and it's not so massive.  Has 2 sets of RCA and XLR outs, it's almost a perfect preamp for me and Zanden knows what they are doing with sound. 

jaymark's avatar
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jaymark
515 posts
 

Aric Audio Motherlode XL - awesome preamp.  Clean, clear, dense tone colors, great spatial qualities.

laaudionut
280 posts
 

The OP made a great choice. My Motherlode paired with the Coda 16 has proven to be the most rewarding of combinations in my 30 plus years of obsessing. I began working with Aric over eight years ago and fortunate to be working with him again on a new piece of gear. He is a true gift to our esoteric community!

vthokie83 OP
949 posts
 

zarf

Since my last post was exactly a year ago, I've had a lot of time with the Motherlode XL; and it is still my reference preamp......and will be for a long time.

As I mentioned in my initial post, subsequent posts, and in the year since; I've auditioned, "borrowed", or listened to in systems I know very well, a large group of preamps. I am not going to cover all of them, because it must be more than a dozen.

Please note that these are my own personal preferences, and not to dismiss any other preamps, so don't flame me. My personal system would probably be considered "mid fi" by some, "hi fi" by others.....and certainly will be upgraded over the next year; streamer, DAC, DIY cables, and adding a fifth set of speakers.

As of this writing, there are 2 that I feel are the top: Aric Audio Motherlode XL $6,500 and the Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp at $5,900 (manufactured by Spatial Audio). I still prefer Aric's Motherlode XL, but I would be thrilled to keep the Raven (except my buddy really wanted it back).

In addition, and if I had not heard the Motherlode XL and Raven, I can still recommend a few that are great preamps: Aric Audio Motherlode II $5,850 (Motherlode XL without balanced connections.....in Tier 3 configuration), Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.4 $8,500 and Rhythm 1.4 $12,900, BAT VK-80 $8,00ish if you can find one, and Supratek Cabernet $4,000

Also for those on budget constraints, there is the Aric Audio Super 6SN7 at $4,200 and Supratek Chardonnay at $3,000, and the before mentioned Supratek Cabernet at $4,000.

yyzsantabarbara
4,955 posts
 

@vthokie83 

 I still prefer Aric's Motherlode XL, but I would be thrilled to keep the Raven (except my buddy really wanted it back).

What was it that you preferred on the XL over the Raven. 

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