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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
jeffjazz
114 posts
 
I can definitely help on the suggestions listed above. My vote would be for you to get a Modwright SWL 9.0 (& not because I am selling mine!). I have owned many preamps. I owned a Rogue 99 Magnum. Didn't care for, noisy and not refined enough weird soundstage. I borrowed a Audio Mirror PP1 from an audiophile friend he was selling. Don't get it on this one. Didn't work in my system at all. All preamps I have owned were better than this. Had a Joule LA100III preamp, a Belles 28A, and a CJ Pv-11 and now own the Modwright and a Supratek Chardoney with cap upgrades. These 2 preamps are better than all the other preamps I have owned/tried. (although different presentations) I am keeping the Supratek and selling my Modwright (with cap upgrades & bunch of tubes). The Modwright is the most dynamic punchy preamp I have owned, perfect for rock. It is not analytical ( the newer caps help here - on Audiogon for $1675). The best prat of all the preamps I have owned. I know you wouldn't go wrong with the Modwright for your needs. If you were in the area you could borrow it and see. I have been trying out different equipment for years, and the Modwright is the best bang for buck preamp out there. It was much better than even the Belles 28A I purchased for $2400. If I could afford to keep both preamps I would, The Modwright for Rock and R&B, the Supratek for jazz and classical. Hope this helps.
morgoth360
34 posts
 
From all the suggestions here and elsewhere i came out with a couple choices the Modwright SWL-9.0 or the Rogue Audio Magnum 99, now of this two which one will be the better choice for listening to hard rock.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,455 posts
 
I'm loving my new Audio Research sp-16 that I picked up new via a dealer for under $2000.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,455 posts
 
BTW, once you find a good pre-amp, I think the choice of speakers and suitable matched am[p will make the biggest difference in terms of delivering "rockingest" renditions.

I'd recommend the Ohm Walsh line of speakers (www.ohmspeakers.com) and a good high current Class D amp.
stereo
147 posts
 
Rock is great from the Audio Mirror Pp1 and so is jazz. I was listening to some rock an hour ago (Jane's addiction- Down in a hole)) and blown away. The preamp is not forward or laid back. It is whatever your speaker and amplifier are. The Pp1 is fast and detailed, but not bright. Tube rolling in the Pp1 can give you exactly the sound you want. The remote makes it so easy to turn up a song when listening to a CD. I had my volume potentiometer updated as well as some black gate caps added. It sounds better then a CJ PV10 and Melos Maestro. I also compared it to some $1k VTL and Cary preamps and found the Pp1 much better. Vlad is a great guy and will take good care of you for upgrades. He stands behind his products.
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