2. amps-preamps
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Euphoric Realism vs. Euphonic Romanticism

The 300B amp that I am using has a magical euphoric (not euphonic) realism and I am looking for a linestage and phonostage with the same qualities. The amp is not euphonic, romantic, 'golden', 'vintage,' soft, fuzzy, or veiled. It is immediate, transparent and fast, yet beautiful, 'human,' and emotionally communicative.

I have tried the top models from each of the following maufacturers so there is no need to suggest these:

ARC
Atma-Sphere
Shindo
Hovland
CJ
Supratek
Aesthetix
CTC
Jeff Rowland

The preamp must be tubed and not passive.
exlibris
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Try The Messenger Reference preamp, an Aria WV-5XL, or maybe Nick Doshi's ALAAP preamp.

Cheers,
John
oneprof
148 posts
 
Tron Syren?
exlibris OP
438 posts
 
Salectric,
No worries. I am both cursed and blessed by the fact that I can try lots of things inside my system for long periods of time, free of charge. I only make a change if it is clearly for the better and it is only then that I actually buy a piece of equipment. I don't regret a single change that I have ever made.
What you don't see on my system page is the dozens of things that I've tried at home and rejected.

Onhwy61,
300Bs can't drive MBLs in the bass but I think I would part with the MBLs before parting with the amp. I suppose I could bi-amp but I haven't been pleased with the results in the past.
exlibris OP
438 posts
 
Salectric,
By the way, those lists of all the equipment I've had in my system cover years and years; not the last few months.

Thanks to all for the suggestions so far; I've always wanted to try the Tron Syren and the VAC.
teajay
1,715 posts
 
Take a look at my review of the Flora transformer/tube gain based preamp. I also went through a very long list of very highly regarded linestages untill I tried the Flora, and it became my new reference. I believe it might give you the sonic signature you are looking for in your system.
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