2. amps-preamps
  3. 1236544838

A great linestage/preamp "makes" a great system

I've evolved a very nice and synergistic 2 channel music system over the past decade (posted). The learning curve has been very steep at times, but the result has been worth the ride. The one component I've found the most elusive to get "right" is the linestage/preamp. I've owned resistor-based attenuators (EVS and Endler), passive TVCs (Django and amorphous core Promethius), Musical Design MP-1b and custom 2 box "balls out" (Black Gates/tantalum resistors/Schottky)solid state, fully tweaked Atma-Sphere MP-3, and Blue Circle 3000 GZPZ tubed units - all of which had virtues, but none possessing the full package. I understand where the passive crowd is coming from. That nth degree of transparency is very hard to get from actives. Likewise, the liquidity/body/"humanness" of great actives adds so much to my musical enjoyment. My new Audio Note L3 Kits "2 box" Custom build from Bill Baker of Bella Extreme has finally gotten me the best attributes of both passive and active designs I've used.

I'm wondering if any of you, like me, have been on the journey a while and have found the linestage/preamp to be the trickiest to get "right" in your system. For me a truly outstanding one is the centerpiece of my system.
jb0194
emorrisiv
313 posts
 
I just tried my recession system in a "direct connection", that is;I connected the power amp directly to the tape input to bypass the linestage in my preamp. I have been playing records (analog mm). The system plays fairly loudly,but not too bad.The sound is significantly better.It gives the feeling that there is no ceiling to the treble extension and the bass is very coherent.Indeed, when playing a very good Hyperion recording Howells/Vaughn Williams,the inner details,microdynamics are much more apparent and well placed within the sound stage.This music is very difficult to record and play. Top treble notes are often portrayed as a big splat! of distortion.With this config. this rarely happened and only in the biggest spot on the recording.
This has finally opened my eyes to the passive preamp. Does anyone know of a basic,cheap,very cheap, kit or diy for a passive?

This system is surprisingly revealing.The Snell E speakers are in a close listening position.These are driven by a Arcam P-80 power amp and a Advent reciever/preamp.The source is a Realistic direct drive table with a AudioTechnica AT62E.

I know it sounds like cheap junk,but it would surprise you as it has others (knowledgeable audiophiles).

I feel that I have stumbled onto a very well matched system, that performs beyond expectations.

come have a listen

e
stewie
187 posts
 
Emorrisiv, google "lightspeed preamp." I don't have one myself, but it has a following among the minimalist crowd. I tried the direct connection myself and was most impressed by the results.
emorrisiv
313 posts
 
Thanks Stewie.
jrmanders
54 posts
 
"This has finally opened my eyes to the passive preamp. Does anyone know of a basic,cheap,very cheap, kit or diy for a passive?"

http://diyparadise.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=109

Try a LDR pre amp when they are back in stock. Dirt cheap and great sounding.

Jonathan.
ait
480 posts
 
My Supratek Chenin preamp is the cornerstone of my system. Stock it was very nice, but I have modded it to run single triode 2C22 tubes in place of the 6SN7s, and swapped the plate resistor on the 2C22s for a constant current source based on cascoded IXYS10M45S current regulator chips. Also replaced all linestage resistors with Texas Components TX2575 resistors and the coupling caps with Duelund CAST.

Holy cow, it is transparent as glass, with great bass and oodles of musicality. I can't see myself changing from this preamp, ever.
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