You need that good old Conrad-Johnson sound. Save yourself some cash and try the PV-11L now for sale on Audiogon. I don't know the seller; I have owned a PV-11 and PV-12, and they offer sweetness and warmth without too much bloat or high end rolloff. Maybe not clinically accurate but that doesn't seem to be what you're looking for. With only two tubes, you can try tube rolling till you find a sound you like.
Need your assiatnce - tube preamp recommendations
I am running a Marantz SA 11S1 cd player directly into a McIntosh MC275 IV to Epos speakers. Salk Sound Towers are on order and should arrive in a couple of weeks. The power cords, interconnects, and cables are all Signal. The room is 12x15 with hardwood floors but fairly quiet otherwise. Music is primarily rock, vocals, and classical.
The Marantz and Mac are both keepers, but, even with filters on, the system needs some help. I love the sound overall, but there is some "raspiness" and sibilance (?). No doubt I should wait for the Sound Towers but wanted to look for the preamp now.
The budget is about $2000, but I would be happy to spend less that. Have considered a Juicy Music Blueberry or Peach (do not need phono) and a used Macintosh C220 or Dodd but would like to hear what you guys recommend. Thanks
The Marantz and Mac are both keepers, but, even with filters on, the system needs some help. I love the sound overall, but there is some "raspiness" and sibilance (?). No doubt I should wait for the Sound Towers but wanted to look for the preamp now.
The budget is about $2000, but I would be happy to spend less that. Have considered a Juicy Music Blueberry or Peach (do not need phono) and a used Macintosh C220 or Dodd but would like to hear what you guys recommend. Thanks