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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
philipwu OP
214 posts
 
hi Charles,
i have not heard any passive. while most people would definitely say matching is very important when using a passive, i personally think individual taste and music complexity are more influential in developing a person's opinion and judgement. From the reviews of passive linestage, although different opinions were formed, they all share common underlining problem, that is dynamics & attack weren't as good to actives, which is crucial to my genre of music, hence not interested. Thanks for mentioning :)
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Phillip,
That`s my personal conclusion as well, but I recognize we all have our own opinions and experiences. I was`nt sure of your perspective or past exposure.
Regards,
fossda
112 posts
 
Some tube options I am familiar with-BAT Rex, either Allnic L-3000 or L-5000. With the quality of sound available with either format you could consider Edge, Pass labs, Burmester, Moon Evolution, Ayre
philipwu OP
214 posts
 
Thanks Fossda, i did hear Passlabs X-20, Moon Evolution and Ayre. Allnic, Bat Rex were suggested here but i couldn't get an audition. I find PASSLabs overall lack the airyness, separation of instruments compared to Moon P-8 but P-8 itself sound abit sterile/ hard in the notes decay and slightly more "forward" than Pass, however, overall P-8 is one of the best for doing almost everything right. Ayre is almost perfect but i need Volume Left/Right Balance. Edge, Burmester has no demo.
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