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Preamp possibles for system...

I am currently using a Belles 21A auricap but have been itching to try something else for possible system improvements. The amp is a T-hold S/500 ll with an Arcam CD23 and Polk SDA-2's with RDO-194 tweets. All IC's/PC's are Morrow Level 3/4. My 22'x35' listening environment is slightly harsh with wood floors and a fair amount of glass. Musical taste is quite varied at moderate volumes.

In general, I feel the base or low level frequencies are a bit forward but not crisply defined. Also the high frquencies seem somewhat constrained or maybe rolling off early...using others terminology I have read. Almost as if the singers are behind the band. Not always, but on enough recording's I notice it.

My previous amp was a Nak 7. Everything else staying the same, I recently switched to the T-hold S/500. I literally would have wrote an exact opposit review of the systems traits critiquing it with the Nak. I was certainly surprised...in a VERY good way.

I have read that the T-hold amps liked certain pre's. Here is a list I have gleaned from some research. I have not seen all of these available, so some maybe out of the question. I would be gratefull for any input to try and target my continued refinement.

Sonic Frontiers line 3
Aestetic Calypso
Audio research LS25 mk1 or 2
Modwright 9.0se
Klyne 7

mlo97
mlo97 OP
31 posts
 
Sounds logical. Here is a few CDP's I have seen reference to with Pass gear I think would be in my budget. I think most of these are still near the ten year old mark. Would they be a marked improvement over the CD23?

Ayre Cx-7
Accuphase 65, 67
Arcam 37
Marantz 7si
dayglow
1,776 posts
 
It appears you want a more aggressive detailed/dynamic and extended player. Of the ones you mentioned the Ayre has the characteristics above. The Ayre is currently selling the Evolution/MP model. With the Ayre I would look at softer(less edgey)pre-amps. Jeff Rowland could be a great choice if you want to avoid tubes.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
The Klyne has some interesting Design solutions which can make life pretty good
- 2 separate Gain knobs (for each channel), this feature allows the owner to match it to any connected amp (or you can use it for sources, too)
- some say, sonically it closes the gap between Transistor / Tube sound
- reliable
- external power supply
- it can be ordered with internal Phono Stage when you want to listen to Vinyl one day
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
I too will through my opinion behind Ayre products. Although I ended up purchasing the latest C5 model I did bring home the C7 and thought they were both as natural sounding as anything I've heard, including analog.
bigshutterbug
379 posts
 
What 12AU7 tubes are you running in your 21A? I had the same pre-amp, and have rolled quite a few NOS tubes in it with fairly dramatic results.
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