2. amps-preamps
  3. 171639-16768

Help, which preamp to buy from my shortlist?

Looking to buy a "near vintage" preamplifier. Between these, which of these do you recommend based on experience (sound quality and build quality)? Or which of these wouldn't you buy based on previous experience? I like all of these based on price, condition and compatibility (input & output impedance, etc.) but can't decide on one (or even two). My source is strictly line level (computer based with DAC).

Nakamichi CA5

Kenwood L-07 CII

Bryston 0.5

Forte F44

PS Audio 5.7

PS Audio 7.0

Meitner PA-6i

B&K MC-101

B&K Pro 10 MC

Quicksilver Remote Preamp (latest 6DJ8 version)

Cary AE-3 (standard, not signature model)

Audible Illusions Modulus L1

Sonic Frontiers SLF-1

greg7
middlemass
902 posts
 

"Check out Aric Audio."

 

Not on the OP's list.

kellyp's avatar
kellyp
104 posts
 

1. Evaluate how well you can hear.  %IMD, %THD etc.  No sense in getting equipment excessively better than that.

2. You will go further powering your pre with a power regenerator. Not a filter.  A $1500 regeterator is like a $10 preamp upgrade.  See for yourself

copalenik
4 posts
 

You might add a GAS Thaedra (with a GAS Audio rebuild) to your list.  

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,476 posts
 

I have a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 I bought as a back up / maybe for another room.... When they came out I was newly married, kid, house, and all the bills that went with....so fast forward 25 years and I bought one for a good price.  Great preamp for sure, still supported by Parts Connexion.     

I just bought a Zesto Leto preamp and am actually going to keep the SFL-1 for another room and sell the CJ Classic 2SE that I'm replacing.   

gp4jesus
36 posts
 

Avoid the Meitner PA-6. 

a friend's Meitner PA-6 failed, unrepairable RC circuitry rendered it a $$$$ paper weight!  He loved the SQ but...

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