2. amps-preamps
  3. 1295730618

Preamp modifications - who would you use?

I am looking for a company or individual who performs equipment modifications to take a look at a preamp I own and recommend (and implement) parts improvements and or modifications to squeeze out the last bit of sonic performance. I would like to talk with someone who is well regarded not only for the quality of their work but also for their customer service, and who has enough experience and expertise to assess each piece on an individual basis, and not simply apply the same bag of tricks to everything they touch. Based on things I have read, folks that come to mind are Kyle Takenaga at RAM, Bill Thalman at Music Technology, and Chris Johnson at Partsconnexion. I would be interested in other recommendations. Thanks.
mitch2
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Bryon,

Thanks for the review. The room correction and crossover features in some of the better pre-pros has me thinking about using one of them in a 2 channel set-up, but I have the concerns that you mention. I was wondering whether any of the good mods guys handle pre-pros and thank you - and the other respondents here - for covering the subject.

Regards,

Marty
phaelon
1,052 posts
 
Agree with Tvad 100%.
trelja
3,224 posts
 
Actually, I also agree with Grant. Didn't know the component that was under discussion - my fault. There are a certain level of components that should be left as they were designed and implemented.
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mitch2 OP
4,087 posts
 
Hi guys,
Sorry for the inactivity. For some reason a response I wrote last night didn't post. Again, thanks for the great suggestions.

Tvad, no I am not modding the Lamm. I have actually sold it and moved on in a different direction - I do need to upgrade my system page but my gear has been changing a bit. BTW - I have conversed with another Lamm owner who has performed significant mods to his LL2 (caps, attenuators, diodes) and he says it is now comparable with anything out there.

The preamp I am considering to be modded is a MUSE Model Three Signature with outboard display and power supply. I now have the MUSE Erato II player as my source and by using the Model Three Signature I have a single remote to interface with my entire system - very convenient. The Model Three Signature actually sounds quite good for an older model $3,500 preamp and, to me, it is largely comparable sonically with most other higher priced preamps I have owned. It has a wealth of features that make it desirable for me to use so I would like to see if it can be improved sonically, even a little.

I don't want to make any fundamental changes but to mainly improve on the basic implementation, perhaps with better parts or other changes that could be recommended. It is based on dual Burr Brown chip volume controls, as used in the $10k Esoteric C03, so maybe it was a bit ahead of its time. The designer, Kevin Halverson, has told me he has heard other preamps that may equal the Three Signature, but in his opinion, none that are better. He may be a little biased, but it sounds good enough to me also.
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