2. amps-preamps
  3. 1168712586

2 ch tube pre match for Sunfire Cinema Grand

Could anyone recommend a tube pre with a budget of about 1500.oo used that would mate well with a Sunfire Cinema Grand. I have Martin Logan sequels. Right now I'm going CDp coax out to Benchmark DAC-1 balanced to amp. No pre yet. I would like the amp to be balanced and have a remote. Doesn't have to be balanced though.
247tdf

Showing 3 responses by 247tdf

247tdf OP
5 posts
 
Anyone else have any thoughts?
247tdf OP
5 posts
 
That's funny you say that. I was looking at the SWL. But when running my cdp into the DAC-1 straight to the Sunfire, balanced xlr's out of the DAC-1 sound much, much better than through the Sunfire's SE inputs. The amp was just sent to Sunfire to make sure it's working right. Did you find a difference in XLR or SE inputs on the Sunfire? And if you could, since you have the DAC-1, descibe in a few words what the SWL adds to the sound compared to running the DAC straight to amp, if you ever did that with the sunfire?
247tdf OP
5 posts
 
I actually found that the RCA outs had more attenuation. Don't know if it's the DAC or the Sunfire.

I too find the Benchmark to be a little cool/analytical sounding. It is supposed to be very, very neutral. It doesn't add anything. Actually, I found it takes away stuff. Alot more clarity in the lower mids. It is very highly recommended in the recording world. I have also heard good things about Lavry. Also very high regards in recording studios. One of the top names along with Benchmark. These DAC's are used extensively in mastering studios,also. I'll have to look into how it is configured. I do remember using the jumpers to get better control over the volume. I'll look into that.

By the way, you must really love those Summits.
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