2. amps-preamps
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Seeking suggestions for Preamp

Current speakers/amps:

- Wilson Sophia 2's
- Pass XA 100.5 and/or Citadel 1.5 amps

Preamps auditioned:
- Audio Research REF 3
- VTL 5.5
- Esoteric C-03
- Doshi Alaap

I don't like the REF 3 - there's nothing about it that I like. The VTL was dirty sounding. The Esoteric was nice, but brand new and I only auditioned it for an hour or so, but it didn't quite have the body I was looking for.

The Doshi has it in spades and might be my answer, but I'm looking to see what else is out there.

I'm looking for something romantic and a bit bloomy, but NOT noisy and very extended (don't like anything the least bit rolled off on top).

I'm about to try the Pass XP-20 preamp even though it's solid state.

Any ideas of other pre's to pursue?
madfloyd
homosapien's avatar
homosapien
70 posts
 
I am second for Cary SLP-05 - I think it is exactly what you are looking for. I do not like ARC either, but SLP-05 with NOS tubes in my system sounds exactly as you describes - "something romantic and a bit bloomy, but NOT noisy and very extended".
Good luck.
Boris.
gammajo's avatar
gammajo
846 posts
 
Audio Horizons with NOS tubes, very quiet and extended in dynamic range and frequency. 30 day trial but quite good out of the box and gets better. Terrific service and upgrade path. Has balanced outputs.
Those are great Pass amps - enjoy
Joe
clio09
3,360 posts
 
Joule Marianne Electra (LA-300).
kjo
45 posts
 
Joule Electra LAP 150 mk II.Wonderful pre - quiet,extended, dynamic and romantic to my ears although not bloomy really but musical.Very involving and virtually no fatigue factor.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
The Alaap Doshi is a great start. You may also want to check out:

Messenger Preamp

Aria WV5 XL preamp

Shindo Petrus III Dual Mono Pre-Amplifier

VAC Renaissance Signature Mk II

Cheers,
John
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