2. amps-preamps
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Help with Pre-Amps

Hi,
I guess you could call me a "audiophile virgin". Don't really know much about all of this stuff and that is why I'm seeking help/discussion. I wanted to really get into this so I went and bought a SOTA Star Sapphire Vacuum Table and I'm in the process of putting on a Rega RB301 Tonearm on it. I have purchased a Promitheus Audio(Nicholas Chua)phono-pre but now I'm to the point of purchasing my first preamp. Seeing as I have a phono-pre already what would be a good choice for a preamp. Should my future preamp have a phono stage as well? Why? More tonal choices or what? Any pre's made by Audio Research that would fit my bill? Is a preamp that does not have a phono stage considered a passive pre? Like I said--audio virgin. Someone please help! Thanks much! Phaseshifter.
phaseshifter

Showing 2 responses by mrjstark

mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
TVC passive - great value
Blueberry preamp a bit on the warm side. Phono build in.
Modwright - nice , more on the neutral side.
AR are nice but I can not think of any model from the lower end that I acctuly like. Their recent top dogs are quite impresive though.
Supratek , if you can find it used. But it might not be the best choice if you are not into tube rolling. Its build in phono is of very high quality.

The rest of your system, budget and your preferences should dictate the choice of the preamp that suits you best.

Mariusz
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Another one is Mapletree Audio linestage. For about $800 it is a bargain with planty left for the phono amp/stage.
You would have to spend at least twice that much to get meaningful improvments.
keep in mind.......there is planty to choose from.
It all depends on your taste and preferences.
The hardest thing is to figure out what you really want and how much you want to spend to get there.

Cheers
Mariusz
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