Modest Preamp Upgrade?


I am considering a preamp upgrade from a TAD 150 Signature. I am using a Sutherland PH3D for a phono stage which I am happy with so a phono stage is not a serious consideration. The contenders, all tube pre amps, are as follows in no particular order(used on Audigon prefered):

VTL 2.5
Cary SLP-03
BAT 3i
CJ PV14L

Looking in the $800-1200 price range used. I like clarity and soundstage, but with a good amount of warmth. Pros and cons of these units? Others to consider? Build quality is a consideration. Also wondering if this upgrade is too modest to be very effective (I have no real complaints with the TAD).

ROMS
TAD-60 amp (exclusively ultralinear)
McCormack UDP-1 player CJ edition
AR ES-1 TT heavily Merrill modded AQ-PT5 arm & GR 1042 cart.
Dynaudio Focus 220 Speakers
All ICs are Signal Cable Silver
Speaker Cable is Transparent Music Wave Ultra

Room is 12X14

Other upgrade considerations
New MC Cart (Dynavector 20XL)
Cable Upgrade (Gee who knows)
Power Tube Swapping from current EH6ca7
hoopster

Showing 1 response by hoopster

Mechans,

I am not good with audiophile jargon and can really only tell if I like something when I hear it. Usually it is in small degrees. For instance, I was running JJ KT-77s in the TAD amp and I liked them ok but compared to the EH6A7s (yes specifically these) or the Cayin branded EL34s they sounded a bit thin to me (I can't tell much difference between the two EL34 variants mentioned). I have never been particularly fond of triode or class A amps which tend toward what I descibe as thiness or lack of robustness. I have had a Forte 4A, McCormack DNA-125, and a Classe CA-100 (still have in a second system). I prefered either the Mc or the Classe over the Forte. In other words a good AB amp over an A just sounds better to me.

On the other hand, I love the quiteness and detail the Sutherland lends my system. I guess what I am trying to say I really have to strike a balance between detail and robustness for it to sound right to me.

The Signal Cables may be a weak link but I am not sure where to go. All I can tell you is they were a big improvement over anything else I previously had in my system which were relatively inexpensive Tara Labs and AQ interconnects.

The Dynaudios probably could use some more power but amazingly in my relatively small room 60 tube watts do pretty well listening to mostly jazz. I do miss some slam, quickness and headroom when I listen to 70's rock however.

Thanks for your thoughts,