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Warmish SS pre:Rowland Synergy IIi preamp/others?

I am looking for a slightly warmish SS pre. I have pretty much narrowed it down to a pre in the $2000-$3000 used range. The best preamp I have yet tried (solid state) is a Classe CP-700, but it is out of my price range, used. I am looking at a CP-500, amongst others. What about the Rowland Synergy IIi? I couldn't find much around here. Pass X-1 was another option, but I was worried that it might be a little thin. I don't want a really thin sound, but something akin to a slight tube "ease" and musicality, but in a SS preamp. The Classe was very nice, and about the sound I was looking for. Other suggestions?

After listening to several preamps, I have come to the conclusion that a tube pre just won't work in my system. Every one I have tried has produced audible (at the listening position) hiss. This includes some very well regarded units up to $6K retail. Efficient speakers and 1v input sensitivity of the amp seems to be amplifying the background tube hiss. I listened to an I had a previous thread going, but that was before I had listened to some stuff and knew about the sound I was going for.

Amps are McCormack DNA-125 Rev. Gold, nice detailed SS sound, but still full.
chiho
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Chiho, Capri is not a digital pre. . . I believe it operates in class A and is based on the TI Burr Brown differentially balanced OPA1632 op-amp. Personally, I prefer it over my own ARC Ref 3 in all parameters, except for staging and imaging, where IMO the two devices are comparable instead. I know of only 1 (capsule) online review of Capri, which is suggestive of a foreshortened break in period because of mixed comments about resolution, frequency extension and staging/imaging.
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2007/rowland_capri-102.shtml
I'd love to read other reviews of Capri. . . but I haven't seen too many. . . except for my own Audiogon freewheeling ramblings. For what it matters, I used Capri as my reference pre in my print review of the Vienna Mahler speakers on issue 188 of The Absolute Sound (December 2008). G.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Chiho, I haven't heard the JRDG Capri that Guido speaks of, so I can't offer any comment on it.

As to your question for me, the JRDG Synergy II and Ayre were fairly similar, very detailed, yet not harsh. I would say the older Classe's, Coda's and Threshold's were fuller and richer, if this is what you seek. These aforementioned preamps are not quite as fast or articulate as the Synergy II or Ayre, but have more body and musical weight. Which you would prefer would depend on your system and tastes.

Personally, I'm a fan of tube components, but if choosing a SS preamp, I would look for a Threshold T2 in your price range. After that I'd look for a Classe CP-60 or DR-6, and finally the Coda FET1. Yes, you could spend a lot less money on a top of the line preamp from yester-year. You could either invest your savings on upgrading the caps to modern day top of the line (V-Caps, Blackgates, etc) or just spend the savings on more music.

Cheers,
John
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
Coda,Innersound
fire_bottle
19 posts
 
I'm a long-time tube guy, but recently tried the BAT VK42se in my system on a whim. It is an excellent piece, and definitely not thin sounding. Vocals are very present and full sounding, and instruments within the stage are well defined and have excellent dynamics. It is a quiet as a tomb. It's definietly a keeper... one of the very best linestages I've heard.

If you look long enough you should be able to find one slightly over your budget, in the $3200 - $3500 range. IMO it has all the magic of some of the best tube units I've heard with none of the noise issues. Of course it's also nice to not have to feed it expensive NOS tubes!
philb7777
401 posts
 
In the $2-$3K range the Rowland Synergy IIi might be at the upper end of your price range, but for what you are wanting would be well worth it.

I purchased one here on the 'Gon a few months ago and have been very pleased. I was wanting a nice warm pre, with low noise floor and dynamic slam, great smooth blooming mids and built like a tank and built to last. The Synergy IIi met all those criteria. Feel free to private email me if you would like to discuss further.
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