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ATC 100A Actives And Tube Preamps - Ideas ?

Hi,

I recently bought a second hand pair of ATC 100A's (not SL drivers) and am using them with a Meridian 201 preamp and a Meridian 206 CD. On certain recordings the sound can be really harsh and I thought that a tube preamp would soften the harsh edges and generally give more warmth to the sound.

I tried out an Audio Research LS15 which sounded great but was a little over my price range (£2000/$3000 second hand in the UK!). Has anyone tried other tube preamps with ATC actives ?

Any info\recomendations appreciated

Paul Liddy
paul_liddy
3 responses Add your response
paul_liddy OP
1 posts
 
It could be the CD as the 206 was regarded as being a little "glassy". When I tried the LS-15 it did make a significant difference. I haven't had the opportunity to try a different CD yet.

This is the problem with upgrading to high resolution kit, it shows up any weaknesses in your other kit.
cdc
1,783 posts
 
Are you sure it's not the CDP? I found Meridian harsher than Cary or Rega. ATC's sounded very good with all Naim, not harsh.
sc53
719 posts
 
The LS-15 sells for about $1200 used here. I think I sold mine for $1100 plus shipping; that was about a year or so ago. I don't think the shipping would be astronomical to the UK. I remember last year around this time FedEx had an international rate special, I guess for the holidays, and I shipped something to Poland via FedEx Air for about $40.
Good luck, the LS-15 is a great piece.
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