2. amps-preamps
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Looking for preamp which is good at BOTH single-ended AND balanced output

I am looking for a preamp which sounds good at BOTH single-ended or Balanced output. My DAC has both single-ended and Balanced output. I have vintage tube amps which only allow single-ended input. I also have SS amp which only allows balanced input. I use both amps alternatively. Sometime I even use both together for bi-amp setting.

Is there any good used preamp under $3000 recommended? I have opportunity to get BAT VK-30SE or 31SE, I know they are good for balanced output, are they equally good for single-end output?
ccheung

Showing 2 responses by ccheung

ccheung OP
3 posts
 
Thank you for all your inputs.
I asked this question because I noticed some preamp produces better sound using either single ended or balanced, but not both. I am using Schiit Freya+ now. When I use Freya+ balanced connected to my SS balanced MC2 MC1250 amp. Its sound open and transparent, with wide sound stage. But when I connect the single-ended to tube amps. It sounds veiled and has very narrow sound stage.However, when I use the DIY grounded-grid preamp with tube amps. The transparent and wide sound stage comes back. I don't rule out the difference in sound quality is caused by preamp-amp mismatch.
That's why I initiated the topic, and looking for preamp with BOTH good outputs for comparison.
ccheung OP
3 posts
 
Interesting. I will check it out.
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