2. amps-preamps
  3. 165934-113505

Need advise on preamp.

I have issue with the current preamp, Classe Audio SIGMA SSP is what I'm currently running to send the signal to bi-amped system consisting of 2 Thresholds S500 series one with optical bias powering  JBL 4367's.
As sigma is a excellent device somehow it does not perform same for every thing I'm trying to play.
It does great job playing classical, progressive or electronic how ever once you start playing something more aggressive like heavy metal sound turns in to mud, non separative mas of sound. I'm looking in to analog preamp like Threshold  FET10, that I own how ever I can't use in bi-amped config since FET10 does not provide double output.
So what would you guys recommend that would be FAT10 or at minimum Nakamichi CA5 performance and it has provision for dual output it. has remote control and is black finish. Any idea will be greatly appreciated. I have flexible budget but if possible I like to stay in the range of 5k at less there is big gap in performance to price ratio than I'll consider budget upgrade.

Thanks 
ssg308

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georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
ssg308
It does great job playing classical, progressive or electronic how ever once you start playing something more aggressive like heavy metal sound turns in to mud, non separative mas of sound.
Use this Dynamic Data site to see if your ("turns in to mud, non separative mas of sound.") are just you hearing compressed sounds of the newest streamed or downloaded versions, as all the old stuff was generally uncompressed.

Here are 3 x Tears for Fears "Seeds of Love" releases, the most uncompressed and best sounding is the first 1989 release, the others are compressed crap of the same thing. (green is good uncompressed, yellow orange red bad compressed)


This 1989 one is the best, just look at the dynamic range
http://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/181056

And compare it to the 2015 much more compressed, re-release.
http://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/100465

And then the even worse 2020 compressed streamed/download one with bonus tracks.
http://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/179948

Cheers George
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