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this is my second system, but still important to me for what I use it for. This is not my main system so I don't really want to go crazy price wise.es I have posted this question before. But that was in reference to tubed preamps. Now I want to expand my sites to see if a solid state preamp wound be considered.
My budget is around $1000-1300.
My "wants" are to soften the sound and to bring out more of the background instrumentation. Essentially to "fill" up and lush up the midrange.
I did try a NAD preamp. Honestly I found it to be almost the same exact sound as using the Amp with a passive. So the NAD C165bee is out.
The NAD C275Bee is wonderful amp. Very impressive and flexible. But with a passive preamp, it seems to wash out the midrange a tad. With a tubed preamp it really, I mean REALLY fills in. So I'm looking for some sort of compromise between tubes and solid state. My main concern with tubes is after having vintage gear restored, a lot of the sound is from improving part quality. I don't want to get into that anymore!!!!
Follow Ups:
How many inputs do you need? How are you using the second system?
Here is a rather inexpensive tube preamp with only two inputs and one is for phono. It would be great for a record player and a CD player. It's pretty inexpensive. I bought one of their MS-22B phono stages and it sounds exceptional for the price. Therefore, it's possible this preamp sounds good, too.
For that budget, you should be able to find a high quality used tube preamp from brands like Conrad-Johnson, Audio Research or VTL. You can pretty much maintain models from those companies indefinitely.
I use an SP9 MKIII in the garage system purchased about fifteen years ago. It was second hand at the time as well. It had been in the main system but replaced a NAD C160 when I got a newer ARC model for upstairs. It is more dynamic and transparent than the NAD with its somewhat dark house sound.
How do you like the SP9? That was a consideration being it was around $700 new. A savings considering the Rogue Metis I WAS considering was $1500, $1900 with upgrades.
Do you think the SP9 and NAD would match well? Again, this is a second system so I am not looking for the ultimate in preamp supremacist.
charles
How do you like the SP9?I purchased mine originally as a MKII model which replaced an SP6C. By comparison, it was more transparent and far quieter on phono than the SP6. It was designed from the outset to support mid output MC cartridges with its higher than normal gain structure (46 phono / 21 line). Understand there were three versions and the MKII was a bit lean in the lower midrange. The MKIII flavor solved that along with adding more transparency. Problems? There is some crosstalk between adjacent inputs. Turn off other active inputs. Also, its channel separation is somewhat limited with line sources and doesn't share the stage width of the SP20.
That was a consideration being it was around $700 new.
It began at $1695 in 1987 and by 1996, the MKIII was $2495. You might want to follow this link to the ARCDB.
Do you think the SP9 and NAD would match well?
I think so. Mine is mated to a Threshold Stasis 3.
Edits: 01/29/15
We are talking about the VTA SP-9 preamp - right?
I already had a pair of DYnaco MKii's. Nice, but I've moved on from dynaco amps. Also I do not need the phono input. Only linestage.
charles
I refer to the Audio Research SP9 in context with my original comments about getting a high quality used model from ARC, VTL or C-J.
Apparently, you didn't follow the link I provided to details on the Audio Research Database site. The line stage only model was called the LS-1.
I moved on from Dynaco products in the 70s having built and owned a couple.
If I don't find a piece that you recommended, I think I may just go for the Rogue Metis preamp and just BE DONE WITH IT!
For $1500-1900 I wonder if I should just save up a little more and get the whole darn integrated amp?
charles
I think the Cronus Magnum integrated at $2300 is one of the best buys in audio. The only drawback is the phono stage but that isn't your concern. I wish I had the money for it now, I should have never listened to it now I have the "gotta haves" : ))
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