2. amps-preamps
  3. 1350204237

$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
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,906 posts
 
I have no expertise with tube preamps but I've heard this one many times and for long periods and it' the most realistic and convincing I've heard: the Messenger Pre Amp.
http://www.acousticimage.com/MessengerPreamp.shtml
It hasn't changed much over the years and others have come and gone and yes, it's expensive and certainly there are others out there that can keep up and better it in some ways but it does meet your criteria.

Good luck in your search try everything you can before committing.

All the best,
Nonoise
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
"best preamp is NO preamp"
For some this may be true(system dependent).
In some systems the lack of a preamp may'not' be enough, as many find improved sound quality with a 'good' preamp in the signal chain.
This has been covered numerous times and I doubt any minds will be changed from either point of view.Which ever direction works best,follow it.
Regards,
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
12-02-12: Cerrot
best preamp is NO preamp. Tthey all do something...
Cerrot (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
From my experience with NO to all types of preamps, it's a BIG POSITIVE if using the CORRECT active preamp.
kernelbob
51 posts
 
An essential feature for me in a linestage is well implemented support of balanced inputs and outputs. By "well implemented" I'm looking for low output impedance and, if possible, galvanic isolation of the outputs such as via transformer coupled outputs. Since I like the capability to bi-amp, having a volume control on one of the outputs would be a great bonus. Even if you don't need these features right now, these may be something to keep in mind if your systemm veers in that direction.

Another overall system requirement, again for me, is the ability to reverse absolute phase on the remote (and yes remote control is a must-have for me). Ideally, this would be provided by the linestage, but failing that, the DAC would have to provide the capability. In that case, however, you're left without the ability to remotely switch polarity for non-digital inputs. The impact of absolute phase has become more important as my system has evolved.

I'm also evaluating linestages and appreciate all the input to this thread.
jwm
918 posts
 
Passive preamps are colored just like any other component. If the coloration fits your system thats what counts.
More to discover