2. amps-preamps
  3. 1387178277

good preamp for dynaco mk3 monoblocks with maggies

Im new to HI-FI world and would appreaciate any advise. I need a good preamp while my Dynaco MK3's are being upgraded with new VTA boards and capacitors etc By Roy Mottram at tubes4hifi.com

I have Magnepan SMGa's which i will be Gunning soon(bought the wood already:)) and I have Event20/20 studio monitors.
my room is not big about 12X14 and I dont listen to my music too loud..i like classical, vocal, instrumental.

I need a good preamp for around 1000$... I will be listening to digital source cds or from dac.

im looking at Audio research sp11 mk2 for sale for 1000$
parasound halo p3 for about 500$

what im using as a preamp now is a little dot mk2 headphone amp that has pre outs..i know its not the best but like i said im new to this..i love magnepan sound and i like tube sound..

remote is preffered but not critical..i would rather have better sound....
HELP

HELP
zvovchik

Showing 2 responses by dover

dover
2,310 posts
 
I dont agree with the TVC solution suggested for the following reasons :
The Dynacos do not have a very sensitive input stage and sound much better driven from an active preamp with good voltage drive. I own a pair.
Secondly, TVC volume pots have phase shifts at different volume settings.
TVC's to my ears can be very transparent, but they sound thin and lack timing due to the lack of drive and phase shifts at different volume settings.
The best preamps I have heard with the Dynacos are tube preamps with lots of drive.
dover
2,310 posts
 
Zvovchik,
up to $1k I would suggest Audio Research SP9mkII ( about $8-900) or SP16L ( about 1k) as being good value and good bang for the buck. The SP9 is a hybrid design and has lots of drive in the line stage. The SP16 is very musical. The SP11 you mention is very cheap, but if anything goes wrong will be expensive to repair as it is more complex.
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