2. amps-preamps
  3. 1229842418

Most Rockingest Preamp south of $2k used

I'm curious if anyone knows of, has heard about or owns a preamp that simply does the most justice to rock n roll, under $2k (or more) used. The one SS pre I owned (Odyssey) seemed a bit light in the mids and bass, arguably the two most important components to rock. Then I went tubes, and I think it's in the right direction. Regardless of SS or tube, I would think the ultimate rock pre would be a PRAT king, maybe even pushing the beat a little, certainly not laid back, with great bass, mids and dimensionality and overall musicality (vs analytical). Am I missing anything?

I'm tired of putting the cart before the horse -- researching what's for sale on agon as opposed to having a few models to look out for and keeping an eye out for them. Who's got a say in the most rockingest pre?
tholt
tholt OP
551 posts
 
This may sound crazy, but I just picked up a Shindo Aurieges L. We'll see if:

1. It plays well with rock (and others), but more importantly,
2. It synergizes with my amp with its high output impedance.

Really just picked it up to hear what all the hype was about with this pre. Hoping to hear at least a little of the magic.
morgoth360
34 posts
 
I have the McCormack DNA-125, and been looking for a preamp like Tholt that will aside from producing excellent bass including mid & upper, but also posses a midrange that can resolve signature sound of a Flying V or a Strat or any other guitar i'm listening to, i've tried several ss preamplifiers without success i've heard that tubes do a better job in resolving tonal differences my budget is 2k and i don't mind buying used, i will appreciate any suggestions.
tholt OP
551 posts
 
My experience with SS pre's is that they tended to be a little light in the mids and lower freq's, plus they lacked the warmth in a tubed pre. Tubed pre's had more meat on the sound, which to me sounded way better with rock.

There's a Rogue Perseus on here for <$1k if it hasn't sold. Bet that would sound sweet, or maybe a Manley Shrimp.
aptquark
99 posts
 
May I suggest the Audible Illusions L2. It the remote version of the M3A. I sold my M3a ONLY because I wanted a remote. I can assure you that you wont be dissapointed in this tubed pre. The M3a has mm and high mc capability..the L2 doesnt, but does have pass through for home theater. The only other pre that I have had in my systems that "betters" the L2...is the 10,000 Whytech Opal. And "betters" is in quotes for a reason. Subjectivity is a bitch in the audiophile world.
monk
121 posts
 
I have yet to hear a more dynamic bass and midbass (micro and MACRO dynamic bass) that matches a midrange that does vocals proud, and just kicks ass than that from a JOULE ELECTRA LA150. (throws a huge stage too!)

now... I prefer the 6c45p/6h30 version for its detail, slam, and vivdness. BUT the older LA100 mk3 with the right NOS 5751's can rock out too! (just a more laid back presentation, you'd have to switch power cords and isolation cones to make it more forward sounding, probably).

The AI M3a can be a bit warm... and it had WAY to much gain for me (same for the Blue Circle 3.1 prior), thus limiting your ability to dial the sound in for just the right volume. BUT the lower gain (4db up to 8db) might be to low depending on your amps.

If you need more "sparkle" or a more spotlit presenation to the JOULE's, then you have to hear a CAT preamp... to me the Joule's just gets it right here...
More to discover