2. amps-preamps
  3. 1222124251

Help with Pre-Amps

Hi,
I guess you could call me a "audiophile virgin". Don't really know much about all of this stuff and that is why I'm seeking help/discussion. I wanted to really get into this so I went and bought a SOTA Star Sapphire Vacuum Table and I'm in the process of putting on a Rega RB301 Tonearm on it. I have purchased a Promitheus Audio(Nicholas Chua)phono-pre but now I'm to the point of purchasing my first preamp. Seeing as I have a phono-pre already what would be a good choice for a preamp. Should my future preamp have a phono stage as well? Why? More tonal choices or what? Any pre's made by Audio Research that would fit my bill? Is a preamp that does not have a phono stage considered a passive pre? Like I said--audio virgin. Someone please help! Thanks much! Phaseshifter.
phaseshifter
phaseshifter OP
2 posts
 
Hi Sean,
I most certainly will pick up a copy of Robert Harleys book and thanks for the recommendation to do so. Hypothetical situation if I may. You are obviously very knowledgeable about high-end audio but say for instance you had a SOTA Star Sapphire(very heavy) in the neighborhood of 50lbs with a Rega RB301 on it what cartridge choice would you consider in the $750 plus, maybe a little more for the table. Does this question make any sense seeing as I have only the aforementioned equipment in our other threads?
thanks Sean,
Phaseshifter
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
In your price range, I would consider a Quicksilver Audio linestage, very, very good for the price. I don't think it is much above that new, and should be in your range used.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
From the QS website:

"I don't know of a better line stage preamp for around a kilobuck." Sam Tellig, Stereophile,March 2001

The Quicksilver Line Stage Preamp embodies the Quicksilver philosophy of simplicity. It uses only one 12AX7 per channel, resulting in a very direct sound. A precision Alps attenuator, with 41 detents, is used for the volume control. The gold-plated Teflon insert RCA jacks are chassis mounted for long life. Gain is 18 db. Minimum load is 20 Kohms. Price $1095 NEW!
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Another one is Mapletree Audio linestage. For about $800 it is a bargain with planty left for the phono amp/stage.
You would have to spend at least twice that much to get meaningful improvments.
keep in mind.......there is planty to choose from.
It all depends on your taste and preferences.
The hardest thing is to figure out what you really want and how much you want to spend to get there.

Cheers
Mariusz
elevick
2,638 posts
 
There's an Audible Illusions for sale today-great deal. Otherwise, the Forte, AR or Rogue are all $700 or less and will sound awesome.
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