I’ve been researching a new preamp in the $5K-$6K range and was also having a hard time making a decision. Solid state, tube or hybrid and a lot of choices in this price range. Narrowed it down to a Pass Lab solid state for $6K and a Linear Tube Audio (LTA) microZOTL with Level 2 upgrade and balanced input ($5750). After talking with LTA I decided to go with the small business with the interesting ZOTL technology and strong reviews. It will take about 4;weeks for them to build and test before shipping it out. It will be a long month.
Need a big favor picking a preamp
I recently tried out an Esoteric E-02 phonostage and have decided to buy one. (It was a big step up from a Parasound JC3+, which surprised me.) I'm working on my preamp stage now, and tried out a Dan D'Angostino Momentum HD preamp and the Exoteric Grandioso C1X
Dan's preamp was fantasic, but I makes me feel like I need to be wearing several gold chains when using it. Perhaps also a toupee and some gold nugget rings. "Gaudy" is the word when I look at it.
I also tried out a Esoteric Grandioso C1X, which was fantastic, but a bit cold, and much of my system is already Esoteric Grandioso, and it's getting a bit fanboyish. Unfortunately I did not have it when I tried out the E-02, but I assume the two would be excellent together.
I would say the D'Angostino preamp is "more musical", while the Esoteric more "more precise".
There's a third contender I have never heard on my system, but loved when I heard elsewhere on a similar system -- Nagra HD preamp -- it had the precision of the Esoteric and had just a tad bit of tube sound. It's also startlingly expensive.
I tried out several others that just didn't fit my system: Pass Labs being one, which surprised me.
So, please advise:
D'Angostino Momentum?
Esoteric C1X
Nagra HD
The downstream are two Classe Delta Monoblocks, Bowers 800s, SVS PB16 ultras. Upstream Digital: Esoteric K-03XD and Lumin U1 Upstream Analog: Esoteric E-02 and alternating between a VPI Titan and Esoteric Grandioso turntable.
Current preamp is a Prima Luna Evo 400, which I love the looks of, and punches WAY above its weight for the price, but it's time to go.
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@troutstreamnm how are you liking the LTA preamp? Which amp is it paired with? I am also seriously considering the LTA. |
Jc4659, I really like the LTA microZOTL preamp as it is very smooth and quiet. It is working well with my R11’s and currently with my Vincent hybrid amp. LTA is really focused on two channel components so the preamp is not loaded with tons of bell and whistles such as DAC’s, subwoofer circuitry, XLR outputs,multi-speaker outputs, etc. Probably not well suited for home entertainment systems IMHO. For two channel systems it is excellent. So much so, I have just put in an order for the Reference+ amp to match the preamp circuitry. Hope the synergy with the matching amp/preamp will be an improvement. Also, the LTA equipment is beautifully built and stylish. Love the control buttons also. LTA is also big on headphone circuitry if you want/need that. Good luck on your decision! |