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Help me deceide on pre-amp please

Guys
I'm looking for suggestions on my next upgrade. I'm leaning towards a new pre-amp. Perhaps a VTL 2.5 or maybe a Audio Research unit. I'd prefer to keep the price under $1500 USED.
A friend of mine was kind enough to let me try a Cal Aud Labs Sigma Dac on the O/P of my NAD and I did like the tube effect. It was not a huge improvement IMO but did add a certain bloom and impact on the upper bass and lower midrange. It was this audition that has convinced me to include tubes in my search but I am open to suggestions on both SS and Tubed units.
Ideally the preamp will have remote volume and HT pass as I plan to integrate this into a HT sys. I listen to mostly pop and rock music.

Here is my current 2CH sys.

NAD C542 CD Player
Aragon 8008ST Power Amplifier
Acurus RS-11 Pre-amplifier

Paradigm Reference Studio 100 V3 Loudspeakers
Paradigm Servo 15 V2 Subwoofer
energeezer
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
I concur with the Rogue suggestion; I'm using Rogue Magnum 66 and enjoy it. I found I preferred the sound of the 66 to the Audio Research LS-9 (a solid state unit). You can find a Magnum 66 for about $700. There are two different versions: Line stage (with remote, no phono), and phono (without remote).
An additional nice feature is internally switchable tape output can be made into second main out - nice for biamping. I don't know if this can be done with the Rogue 99.
I have my HT set up similar to Yohjo suggests. Works great.
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jgiacalo
446 posts
 
Another vote for the Rogue 99 Magnum.
energeezer OP
26 posts
 
I was looking with interest at the Rogues and in particular the 66 that is on here now. The only problem is that during my research I found that they have a very spotty history as far as reviews both prof and user goes.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue4/rogueaudio66.htm

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/preamplifiers/rogue-audio/PRD_118377_1591crx.aspx
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
If you are considering tube pre-amps you should have conrad johnson on your short list. I believe a used premier 14 is close to your budget.

Chuck
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
I purchased a new VTL 2.5 a few months ago and am very pleased. It has HT bypass and a remote for volume and mute only. I got some NOS Mullards from Upscale Audio to replace the 2 12AU7 and 2 12AT7 standard tubes - will cost you about $150 for all 4 tubes and you could buy a used 2.5 for $1000-$1200. This combo will give you the midrange bloom as well as great detail and presence.
I'm using an Aragon amp(4004MKII), too, and it's a good match in impedance and performance. They also look good together - the VTL comes in either silver or black. I'm not selling anything, just a fan.
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