riffwraith,
Turntables can use different kinds of cartridges. One of them is “Moving Coil”. They put out less power and need a different pre-preamp.
Hope that helps.
JD |
+1 for ROTEL MICHI P5
great preamp excellent sound
lot of inputs and outputs including 4 pairs Balance XLR Support MQA render decode unfold gorgeous looking preamp |
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Take a look at the Decware ZPRE. You also might take a look at Manley labs pre amps as well |
Ear 912, Atma Sphere MP-3 or MP-1 |
a tube pre may soften the sound more than you would like I actually like the tube sound, and some softness. A little softer is better to me, coming from the LFAC days.... but too much, I agree, isn’t good either.
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Thanks ^ What is moving coil stage? |
Audible illusions modulus 3B .At the price on the used market unbeatable and it come with moving coil stage if need be . |
ROTEL MICHI P5. Fantastic preamp. It has all you need. Tone controls xlr imputs and DAC is Ian other level. I got it under 4k with tax. Very transparent sound. Actually amps will make all the difference. Consider it before committing to any other option |
op
by the look of your setup you like your music sounding sharp
better stick with a solid state pre -- go ayre, top of line w4s, maybe a used klyne... a tube pre may soften the sound more than you would like |
More good ideas - thanks! What about a Rotel RC-1570, or a NuForce MCP-18? The latter being almost too inexpensive... :/ |
Second AVA, or search eBay for older McIntosh Conrad Johnson, Dynaco or similar tube preamp
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What about Van Alstine? A tube pre-amp. There is one listed for sale on Audiogon (with amp, though). I'd like to hear people's thoughts on Van Alstine- it looks really reasonably priced. |
I'll 2nd the Don Sachs Linestage. I purchased one on a whim just to check it out and ended up selling my AR-Ref-5se and my PS Audio BHK Reference. God bless Don Sachs. Wonderful man to do business with and a spectacular product! |
A used Herron VTSP-3A(r02) or (r03) and LTA
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I like Herron 360 3A and LTA |
Buy either a deHavilland or a counterpoint and send it to me for upgrades. Best you'll ever hear when I'm done. Happy listening |
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Thanks for all the suggestions! Keep 'em comin'! Naim CD > Preamp? > B&K power amp > B&W 605-S2 Cheers. |
@OP,
Wait!
What is the rest of your system?
It's hard to make a recommendation without knowledge of the other components.
Bob |
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^ LTA MZ3 would be excellent. and I'll add the Don Sachs Linestage for a little more tube bloom |
I want the LTA MZ3 ... has a great headphone section too (world class). Their Berning ZOTL design runs the tubes at lower power for longer tube life. The is said to be an extraordinary preamp/headphone amp. $3700 https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lta-mz3-preamplifier/They also make a full size preamp with onboard power supply, with more inputs. Sonically, it’s exactly the same. |
What power amp do you have?
What features do you need from a preamp? I've been looking at preamps extensively as well in that price range. I have been curious to see what tubes would do in the chain to go along with a SS power amp.
These three are on my short list - and can all be found under 4k used. The Rogue is a hybrid design and the other tube are all Tube. The Rogue and Backert Labs are made in the US if that matters.
- Backert Labs Rumba
- Rogue Audio RP-7
- Primaluna EVO 400
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