2. amps-preamps
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$18k Tube preamp for large scale symphonies please

hi, can anyone suggest tube preamp that's good for handling complex music & large scale symphonies recordings in studio/ theatres? i had audition some: Aesthetix, CJ ,Modwright, Audio Note, ARC but all seems lacking in some ways and definitely not enough air at top octaves and instruments separation/ spaciousness. all dealer agrees that some pre is good at certain genre of music and sound Great even more if music is relatively SIMPLE like vocal, jazz, light acoustic, slow rock and maybe pop songs. Yes i know personal taste varies as well: bass strength & high freq. extension etc. & gears matching too. could anyone share their expreience so i can narrow down a list? my music typically: Van Hellsing & Princess Mononoke movie soundtrack. hope dealers provide constructive comments. Thanks All in advance. -phil
philipwu
response34's avatar
response34
169 posts
 
Hi Phil
I will start off by saying I am a dealer as well as a tube preamplifier manufacturer and will admit that I am a but biased when it comes to preamps.

My first question will be, "where are you located?"

The product we manufacture is the Purity Audio Design line of tube preamps. I wont get too involved here as it is against the rules and only posting due to you mentioning dealers in your post.

I would be more than happy to discuss this line (the new Series 2) with you further should you devise to add it to your list.
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Hi Philip,

In addition to preamps...i have found extreme separation, detail, and the ability to handle the enormous complexity and scale of an orchestra playing full tilt...comes as much from the amp and the source.

The source is kinda obvious, but i will say a lot of amps get muddled/confused/tired trying to push the power thru of an orchestra, maintain the sometime immense dynamic range...keeping the super pianissimos while also having kettle drum in the background...and then not getting brittle with the strings...and then keeping each area separate. It takes a lot of power, capacity, speed, etc from the amp. I tend to find great preamps really get outta the way of the source...transfer the signal clean thru...and the amp needs to be able to push the speaker effortlessly. My own two cents.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Lloydelee21 brings up a very good point. You tried some of the best preamps on the market. Its possible that you have a weak spot somewhere else in your system. That said, I would recommend you listen to preamps from BAT and Ayre. (I know Ayre only makes solid state products, but I still recommend it.)
arh
366 posts
 
I have a Shindo Auriges preamp which is $5000. I listen to mainly classical and movie soundtracks and the sound is excellant. Shindo also has more expensive preamps which should do the job for you. Tone imnports can give you more info
Alan
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