I am at the opposite end of the spectrum. I have taken the passive route with a CJ MV-60 amp and am considering going back to a preamp, if I can find one that meets my requirement. I have been a strong proponent of passive devices, possibly to the extreme by hard wiring a very good quality stepped attenuator directly into my CD player. The sound is amazing, but I can hear some of the flatness that passive devices bring. On the other hand, the accuracy, cleanliness and musical sound is also very nice. I have been experimenting with wires and different speakers and keep coming back to my own stuff. Both my wife and I like what we are hearing, but I wonder what a really good, but very, very simple (1, maybe 2 input) pre would do. Possibly one with my stepped attenuator inserted. I will start by having Stan Warren update one of his buffered line stages for me (1/2 step, maybe even a sideways step). I agree with the above comment, try out some stuff before getting rid of your Premier 14.
$2K to spend on used SS linestage, but which?
Tank-like build, quality "guts," rich sound are critical. It will replace (because I'm a hobbyist and want to try something else) my beloved c-j Premier 14, which had those attributes in spades .
Will be used, for the time being, with a Classé DR-8 (old, but still oh so sweet) amp, and the latest cdp from either Electrocompaniet or Accuphase.
I listen equally to jazz, classical, rock, opera.
Will be used, for the time being, with a Classé DR-8 (old, but still oh so sweet) amp, and the latest cdp from either Electrocompaniet or Accuphase.
I listen equally to jazz, classical, rock, opera.