Nakamichi CA-7A Preamp
I saw a SkyFi Audio You Tube video on this unit, and the build quality really impressed me, and was well done and takes through well.
I decided to obtain one, and was blessed to get a remote, and yes I have only one key selector-button remaining on the front saying “CD”… but there just has never been an interior like they made these over (30) years ago, and I will never have to worry about the electrolytic capacitors.
My question is how did these get so far under the radar for very high quality preamplifiers? I honestly can’t say I’ve heard better and they pick this up for nearly $1000, thinking I over paid. But I think I would have to invest over $10,000 in today’s market to get this kind of sound, and very subtle bass, mid range, and treble adjustments, which are not traumatic, but very effective. I have Cornwall Heritage series and Dennis Had Inspire WE 300b amp. Great base, but a Rogue preamp with an Denafrips Ares ll are now expendable in what I’m now hearing. Just no comparison. Go figure.
As a Nakamichi fan - when I was specifically looking for the right CA-5 preamp instead for other reasons, simplicity, sonically - I had scoured CA-7s out there and spoke with many owner-sellers who enjoyed them a lot. For a secondary SS system, I ended up going a different direction searching for some of Nelson’s other brand/lines and designs for preamps. Its fun to compare under the hood of these units to see how they were designed and built back then. |
@uncleang yeah I never said that, but do test other units he did design. My local tech did work at Threshold, lives down the road, and cautioned about the boards in those older units, so I don't run an of that in my primary system for that reason. For my secondary system I do have some upgraded Pass/Forte' gear, and it's fairly simple inside, and no need to keep a bunch of spare boards and bits around. My main system is all tube, point to point wiring, so thankfully I don't have to worry about aging, brittle or warped boards, or anything like that. |
