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
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
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Dodd Audio battery preamp. Great value. (owned it)
RWA Isabella (with DAC) is excellent to my ears but you might find it to textured.

Disclaimer
affiliation with RWA

Cheers
Mariusz
samhar
1,048 posts
 
I own the CJ Act 2 and think it has the qualities your looking for. If you try or get to hear one make sure it's on a good isolation device so you get to hear how clear it is!
mmike84
309 posts
 
I recently travelled a similar path and settled on an Atma Sphere MP-1 MKIII. I'm very happy with it. The world class phono stage is a real bonus if you need it.

I also looked through SS preamps and I'm not convinced they will match your sound preferences. For me the best one I ever found was an Ayre KXR.
teajay
1,697 posts
 
Well Madfloyd, here's another preamp for your audition list. I went through a long auditioning process, which included at least three of the linestages that you mention and others, and found that the AudioValve Eklipse was far above the other pieces not only sonicly but also in build quality. For alot more details take a look at my review of the Eklispe here on the GON.
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