Phillip,
You`ll get many suggestions as there`re a number of worthy contenders. The problem is(I`m sure you reconize this) there`re too many variables involved for someone to really guide you to just one choice.It`s such a personal decision,given your system and even more so, your ears and taste. Most of the preamps listed above are excellent and will compliment most systems.
I know the Atmasphere pretty well and the VAC Signature MK II very well. These two along with my Coincident Statement Linestage I could without reservation recommend with much confidence and enthusiasm.All three can and will provide top tier sound quality in a well thought out system.
To select one and say it is universally the 'best' is`nt possible,they all would get the job done at a very high level if natural sound, honesty and realism is the objective.
Best of luck in your search.I`m certain with some patience you`ll find what you seek. |
Phillip,
A friend of mine was curious to hear my SET amplifier in his system(Atma-Shere MA-1 mono blocks). I must tell you the Atmasphere MP-I with my 300b SET was remarkable! The sound was transparent,very open, quite dynamic and fast. Yet at the same time there was a completeness of full body,tone and very 3-dimensional palpability. It was simply put, a synergistic match and left a lasting impression.Yes there was plenty of air,ambience and sense of space.
I can say that the VAC Signature is equally excellent(this is a wonderful componemt) with this same SET amplifier(another friend has a VAC system with Phi 300.1 mono blocks). So I feel both of these are world class and would suit your high expectations.They perform to a high standard across the full musical spectrum.
Phillip, the Coincident linestage is most definitely world class but is a different approach(minimalist) It`s just a single gain stage with two DHT tubes and has no resistor or capacitor in the signal path(interstage transformer instead). The transparency.air and openess is a supreme strength,yet it has great tone,body and dynamics and large scale effortlessness(exceptional).
Like I said earlier, all three of these preamps are truly top tier in rank and any of them would make you happy IMO.By the way all three of these companies offer first rate customer service.
Regards, |
Phillip,
The qualities that you list are the extraordinary strengths of the Coincident linestage. The ability to resolve and reveal very subtle and low level detail yet remain completely organic and pure in character is quite the feat.
Tone quality,timbre,harmonics along with note substain and natural decay is superb.The ability to really hear and distinguish the unique character of instruments is truly compelling and convincing.It manages to be ultra resolved and transparent but in a holistic/natural manner.If you lean toward an analytical perspective then you may not like the Coincident.It will very effectively communicate the emotion of music at all times.
I have`nt heard all the other preamps on your list but I suspect they`re 'all' very worthy.It`s impossible to say any one of them stands clearly above all others(how could that be proven?). Owners of other preamps could make the same sincere case for theirs as I do for mine.All I can say is for what you seem to be searching for the Coincident would measure up to your demanding standards, it is an exceptional audio component.
I hope you`re able to audition it and see what you think.You may or may not agree with my strong favorable impressions.It does`nt have a remote control(in case that matters to you).
Best Regards, |
Hi Phillip,
Whart makes a very good point,at this level much of what you hear is dependent on other system components. I`m glad you were able to hear the Coincident,I find it sublime in my system yet nothing will ever be without some relative compromise or flaw of some degree.Some other preamps may equal or even better the Coincident in certain specific areas, but as an overall package it is superb and will compete with the very best.
I`m happy that it made a strong impression for you. I find it very airy, open and transparent as you do.To my ears the tone is full bodied and complete without crossing the line toward artificial warmth and color. But this is just my opinion and in the context of my own system.
With the Coincident as a reference point I hope there`s opprotunity to hear the other preamps on your list.You`re off to a great start!
Best Regards, |
Whart,
I see you`re using the Veloce linestage, I`ve read stellar reports about its performance.There`s no single best or perfect preamp but there`re certainly some great choices available these days.
Regards, |
Phillip.
One point I should mention is the the Coincident can be ordered with either 10 or 20 db of gain. I initially had the 20db gain version which was too much(my amplifiers are sensitive,0.7v, also speakers are 94 db sensitive/1 watt). I exchanged for the 10 db unit and it`s a perfect fit,just something to keep in mind depending on what amplifier you select.
Regards, |
"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, |
Based on my recent experience with Duelund Cast in my speakers and DAC I`m sure they`re excellent in the Dude also.
The Coincident Statement Linestage and the TRL Dude with CAST capacitors represent superb linestage results for a reasonable cost.I think it would be 'difficult' to out preform them regardless of cost.
Regards, |
Hello Phillip,
Not sure if I completely understand your analogy.The CSL is very quiet but in a nautral sense,as opposed to an artificial or over done 'black' background. What did you think of the CSL compared to the VAC Signature? Both are superb but different.I could be very happy with either.
Charles, |
Phillip,
Okay, I see where you`re going better now. I think the VAC does sound a 'bit' richer and the CSL relatively 'lighter -airier'.But overall both get to the core and the soul of music and do so very deeply and with conviction(many components don`t). I believe a lot of the difference with these two are the intrinsic sound of their different tube types(9 pin minature vs 4 pin DHT tube)and different approach to volume control.Everything matteres and has an effect on sound.I find both just excellent at the special subtlties,nuance and inner detail.
The trade offs are very modest(no two components are identical). The VAC has a fuller tone and body(very slight margin) and the CSL a slight edge in transparency(again,very narrow margin).The thing is, both have superb tonality and transparency(minute differences aside).
In the big picture I just find them both top tier and most important, very natural and realistic.I can`t imagine someone displeased with either one.
I have`nt heard the TRL Dude with the CAST upgrade so I can`t comment.Knowing the baseline Dude and aware of what CAST can do, this would be something for you to consider also.
Regards, |
Phillip,
Reading your posts and various impressions it seems you have very astute and musical ears. I get the sense you really love music and enjoy listening to it.Between the CSL and VAC SIG. it could simply come down to what amplifier you use and the make up of your system.
Both are ultra music makers and would make you very happy and content. Once you get to a certain level of performance it`s the little things you notice that will provoke a choice one way or the other. What`s the chance of getting both into your system, listen and just see what happens? Your ears will eventually decide.Both are fabulous, neither is 'perfect'.
Charles, |
Phillip,
As said at the start of your thread, there are simply great linestages to choose from. You have gotten excellent suggestings from people who`s opinion I respect. We all will very proudly tout are own because we live with them and know how wonderful they sound. I can`t see you making a mistake, which ever route you decide to take. No single linestage(no exceptions) is going to be the very best at everything!the CSL,TRL Dude(with CAST capacitor),VAC Sig MK II,Atamasphere-MP-1 MK 3,Shindo. They all will make you happy.
Regards, |
Merry Christmas Phillip,
I understand your description of these two superb preamps and getting a feel for how you hear.Phillip one point has to be made though. Some of what you hear is related to the amplifier in use and really, the effects of 'all' the components in the system(personally I find the bass of the CSL natural and not over done).You listened to both of these preamps'but' in different systems.So while I do believe you got a good sense of the individual character in general terms, you`ll have to allow for the other variables.
I`ve owned my Coincident(CSL) for over 3 years.My friend jeff has had his VAC Signature MK II nearly that long also. We live just 10 minutes apart and have heard each other`s systems multiple times and usually long sessions.They both are exceptionally capable of'musicians in your room' and also 'you are in the recording venue'. I find it`s the recording that determines the site perspective more than the different ability of these two preamps IMO.
I find them both to be fascinating in their presentation and most important to me, they`re both utterly natural,emotionally involving(absolutely!) and have very convincing realism.Neither has any of the dreaded analytical,dry,2 -dimensional,flat,lifeless Hifi character.They do superbly preserve the true vibrant color saturation,dynamics,flow and energy of real instruments and voice.
Phillip you have a keen pair of ears and I`m very confident you will find that preamp that satisfies you.This is the beauty of an open market choice for High End audio components,there`s so much out there to choose from to please us individually.The CSL and VAC SIG. certainly represent a very high point of reference,Good Luck Phillip.
Charles, |
Phillip,
Are you considering any solid state preamps as well?
Regards, |
Hi Knghifi,
Phillip listens very intently and I`m curious to know if he`s tried any transistor preamps.Maybe he`s been there and done that already.There`re so many good choices in audio components you can find exacty what you want if you`re patient.It worked out that way for me, so it can for anyone else.
Regards, |
Phillip,
I`m a strong believer in the virtues of high quality active linestages. Others would certainly disagree and prefer direct source-amplifier or a high quality passive. Have you given any thought to trying the LightSpeed or something similar before commiting to an active ?
Regards, |
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, |
