New to Preamp - Preamp suggestion around 10k


Hello all! I am new to this site, and preamp. Thiss might be niche, but I am using a Stax headphone with its amp, which has a bypass function for external preamp. I am trying to add a slight bit of warmth, plus better dynamics and imaging.

 

Currently I have found some good ones (and available), from what I've seen on this site, as follows:

Rogue Audio RP-9

Cary SLP-05 (around 11k with the "ultimate upgrade")

 

I've also seen ARC Ref 6 suggested, but there seems to be a lack of sellers in my place. As for SLP-05, the distributor at my place said there was no demo, even for the standard version......which left me with RP-9 for audition. Would much appreciate your opinions on them, and any alternatives!

 

Thank you in advance!

128x128cming0038

Showing 3 responses by bdp24

@mulveling: David Manley was also active in the Pro Audio sector, as was Tim de Paravicini (Pink Floyd’s studio, Kav Alexander’s Water Lily Records fantastic tape recorder, on which was recorded A Meeting By The River album). I have an old friend (they’re all old ;-) who has a Manley mic pre-amp in his recording studio, and loves it. I’ve spent some time conversing with EveAnna at a coupla CESes and Stereophile shows, and found her to be a very cool, interesting person.

@cming0038: I don't believe there is a line-stage only version of the EAR 912, so the 868L would be the EAR to get. It has hookup connections you might like for your Stax-based system: a balanced input (via Tim de Paravicini's renown transformers, on XLR jacks), and two pair each of both balanced and single-ended outputs. Plus excellent sound quality via a pair of 7DJ8 tubes.