Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Mystere CA 21 Preamplifier (Tube) by Coach

Model:	CA 21
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2295
Description:	Tube Pre Amp
Manufacturer URL:	Mystere

Review by Coach on November 04, 2012 at 08:19:24
IP Address: 99.170.97.243 Add Your Review
for the CA 21

The Mystere CA21 pre amp is a throw back to a simpler age. This is bare bones when it comes to bells and whistles. But not when it comes to performance. I moved from the Anthem AVM 30 pre pro which was in my HT for years. I used it for music and movies like a lot of guys do. Music coming from the Anthem was very good. Loads of detail and a very wide and high sound-stage. I was happy. But we moved into a larger home and my listening room got bigger. I was able to separate movies and music and now have a dedicated music room.
I had read a lot about the Mystere and had heard one some time ago and remembered it. What you get from this piece is music. Compared to the Anthem there is so much more meat on the bones of the music. Everything seems bigger and more pronounced. Micro dynamics are such that new music turns up in old music. The amount of detail the CA21 digs out is very impressive. Music way back in the mix is just there now. The sound-stage is outside and above the speakers. But this was not always so.
When I first turned it on the the stage was very narrow. Almost like looking down a tunnel. But as everything started to cook in, it really , really bloomed. One of the most satisfying things about the Mystere is the bass. With the Anthem I used my HSU Research sub with my Usher 6371. Not any more. The amount of bass and the texture of the sound is plenty for the type of music I listen to. Some of my friends think a sub is still connected on certain tunes. Vocals are in the room clear and on some disks,very real. Winter Wind by Gretchen Parlato from the Lost and Found album is a great example. This is an uptempo tune with great dynamics and her voice just floats in the air like she's there with you.
There are four singled ended inputs. No digital, no HT pass thru and no remote. I still use my HT amp which is an ATI 1807. the combo of tubes and solid state makes for a sound that makes it hard to leave the house sometime. Music is non fatiguing.Which is good because there is so much more of it. Imagining is spot on. Close your eyes and see the sound stage. Open your eyes and it's still there. This is my first foray into tubes and I like it. I'm sure I'll try rolling some other tubes in eventually, but thats down the road. The thing about adding a piece like this is that it makes you want to upgrade everything else.
The Mystere CA21 is everything the reviewers say it is and more. My system has never sounded this good. Vinyl is big warm and detailed. Disks are "in the room" clean and alive. I'm Happy.

Product Weakness:	If no remote bothers you then I guess that would be a weakness, but for me, nothing.
Product Strengths:	The sound. Loads of detail without being bright or etched.A heavily populated sound stage. low leval detail is amazing.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: ATI 1807
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Mystere CA21
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Project rm5, Oppo bdp83, Marantz vc 6001
Speakers: Usher 6371
Cables/Interconnects: DH Labs.Shunyata,Synergistic Research
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz & Classical
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 25 x 7
Room Comments/Treatments: Have sound absorbing panals on the wall behind the system
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 mo.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio Duet, ESP power cord ,PS Audio GCPH phono amp. Benz Ace cart. Grado Gold cart
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	ATI 1807
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Mystere CA21
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Project rm5, Oppo bdp83, Marantz vc 6001
Speakers:	Usher 6371
Cables/Interconnects:	DH Labs.Shunyata,Synergistic Research
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz & Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 25 x 7
Room Comments/Treatments:	Have sound absorbing panals on the wall behind the system
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 mo.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Duet, ESP power cord ,PS Audio GCPH phono amp. Benz Ace cart. Grado Gold cart
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner