Look for a used VAC Standard LE for $2k to $2.5k. It is designed to play well with most systems and the sound is glorious. Best kept secret in preamp cost/performance.
Enjoy your search! |
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Given the components you have I agree with Jmcgrogan2. Particularly the CJ preamplifier. A CJ, and a good SS power amp like a Brystom 3bst sound fantastic with the Vandy speakers. This would take you system to a new level, thought the Nad amp is no slouch either. The recommendations about the the others like the Audible and Modright will not provide the same level of warmth you seek and the match for what you have. |
I am very happy with my Modwright SWL 9.0...I had Dan upgrade the power supply with the tube rectified section and other caps etc...This has made a great difference and with my new Oppo BDP105 for my source, my system sings with harmony no matter what I throw at it... |
Pre owned Audible Illusion M3 or M3A
Used ARC power amp 100.2 ss
will bring the performance. |
01-06-13: Wilsynet
For a smidgen more than 2K, you can get a used Modwright LS-100 for around $2200.
I believe you would be very happy with it. + 2. The LS-100 is a very well engineered preamp. It is warm and lush sounding & Dan Wright is a great guy to deal with to boot. Best of all, if you get the upgrade bug in future you have an easy upgrade path to upgrade to 'SE' status. |
@Slappyjam: The preamp in the DAC-1 is very good. I actually like it better than going through my BAT VK-51SE. Why don't you give it a try. It doesn't cost you anything. |
There is a Manley Shrimp listed right now for just over $1100. That's a very nice preamp and no it's not mine. I have the Jumbo Shrimp. |
VAS (Cayin Distributor) Citation I. This is a knock off of the HK unit of yesterday. The design then and now is outstanding. |
The Jolida Fusion 3000 preamp retails for $1299. You might consider a tube integrated amp. A Rogue Cronus is in the ballpark of your preamp budget, as are many of the Jolida products. Topping out your budget, for instance, would be a Jolida JD801BRC (70WPC). Also, with an integrated, you will avoid having to spend part of your budget on interconnects. |
I think you have a nicely balanced (non-tube) system as is.
If changing, I would keep DAC-1 and use as a preamp. Get a tube power amp and some sensitive speakers (ie. Tekton, Klipsch, etc.) That way you get tube sound in a smaller amp that is cheaper to re-tube. If you like what you hear but need a pre for switching among more sources, get a passive. |
If you are looking for the warmer sounding tube preamp, look for a used Conrad Johnson, Cary or BAT. Happy Hunting! |
Sidssp - IRT the preamp in the Benchmark. I use the DAC in Calibrated mode which appears to bypass the pre in the DAC. My guess is that the pre in the NAD M3 is superior to the one in the Benchmark. |
I would look at an older BAT or Sonic Frontiers. A VTL 2.5 is excellent as well. |
+1 on the Modwright LS-100. |
I've been looking at YS Audio tube preamps, as they have a true balanced design, with balanced input and output. That would work great with your new DAC. Worth a look, especially at the SE edition.
Mot |
Have you tried to use the DAC1 as preamp to drive the NAD? Adding an unnecessary component in the middle, be it tube or otherwise, may not be a good idea. |
Preferably used... I hate paying retail. But I would be willing to do new if there was a in-home trial offer of some kind. |
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Jmcgrogan2 - Excellent question. I think I'm looking more for the warm, lush and tubey kind of sound. That's what I feel like I had when I was using the Wavelength Brick tube DAC as my source. |
Define 'nice tube preamp'. Are you looking for an old-fashoined warm, lush, tubey sounding tube preamp, or a more modern, articulate, transparent tube sounding preamp? |
For a smidgen more than 2K, you can get a used Modwright LS-100 for around $2200.
I believe you would be very happy with it. |
Sure, somewhere between $1-2k |
Can you be more specific than "moderately priced"? |
