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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
tholt OP
551 posts
 
Pace Rhythm and Timing. I meant it to be in this case not a sluggish or slow sound, something with perceivable drive
doclamb
21 posts
 
Have you received the Shindo Aurieges yet? Please give us your thoughts when it arrives.
tholt OP
551 posts
 
I have and love it. I wouldn't say it's especially tuned for rock, but it certainly plays it with verve. It's more involving then other pre's I've had.

I'm close to picking up a pair of mono Class D amps that I'm interested to hear with the Aurieges and my Usher towers. Seems like an interesting and potentially rewarding combo
doclamb
21 posts
 
Thank you Tholt. I'm looking at picking up the Aurieges myself. I don't listen to as much rock as I did 20 years ago but I still have a library of music from that time and every now and then some old Stones, Marley or Petty is fun.
tholt OP
551 posts
 
Are you going new or used? If you can get hold of one I would say its worth an audition. Within the huge category of "rock" that I primarily listen to there are variables -- voice type (and sex) of singer, acoustic, electric, intimate, driving, various sound effects etc. It all sounds very, very good. While it doesn't have the hard slam I've heard before, bass is still very strong and satisfying. I would think the Shindo would sound just as good with other music types. It has an engaging quality to it. I'm off the hunt.
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