I found myself in a very similar predicament... Huge fan of both Rush and Van Halen, as well. An even bigger fan of Stuart Jones' T-7s. But it seemed with my current set up, which is powered by a PrimaLuna integrated, liked to reproduce more intimate music such as jazz combos, classical quintets, etc. with very satisfying detail. Every so often, though, I need to rock! And the PL wasn't getting me there... low dynamics on great songs such as 'Barchetta' won't do. John, at The Audio Connection in Seattle, recommended a modded Cary SLI-80 integrated would give me the dynamics, smoothness, AND detail I was looking for - he sent me home with a loaner(as I live locally). I didn't want to give it back! It'll be the next upgrade to my system and I'm in good hands as John has never steered my wrong. Fwiw, I got to meet Stuart, who sadly passed away last year, and at the time he recommended a Cary tubed pre-amp to go with the Rogue Dragon as his recommended components for my eclectic tastes. Good luck on your search and call the Audio Connection, John's a great fountain of knowledge.
Help me find a pre-amp
Hello everyone. I’ve done loads of searches & reading of threads on here. I need to find a pre amp & make a final decision on amp to upgrade my sound. Source will be purely digital (Qobuz) streamed from Aurender A200 (my two channels are also used for TV). Synergistic research cables. For power amp I’m down to Rogue DragoN or a McIntosh 612. Speakers are Chapman T-7. I want the shityy recordings of 70s & 80s rock to come to life & fill the room(Rush, Van Halen etc)
The budget I have in mind for a pre is <$5k.
From all I’ve read here The Modwright L100 seems to be highly recommended, but I have not heard it.
Thanks for your opinions!