2. amps-preamps
  3. 190114-95977

Not sure what to think

This weekend I spent A/B testing a new preamp. My system: OPPO 105 (I only  have CDs), Bryston 9B-SST amplifier, B&W 801 loudspeakers (circa 1980) no special cables, non-sound treated room. My current preamp is a Krell-KAV 250p recently serviced. I have always wanted to test a McIntosh preamp. My dad had McI equipment when I was growing up and recently visiting local stores with McI in their listening rooms blew me away (as would be expected in a vendor-setup room). I borrowed a McI C-49 to try out.

I spent 3 days putting different CDs in and out. Rock, jazz, classical, house. In rock, 80s rock, prog rock, anything I knew super well. I tried a few SACDs, too. I had to keep switching the cables so there was always about a minute or so going between the equipment. 

I wanted BADLY to hear a difference. I really did. Between the childhood nostalgia, the looks of the McI (yes, I know music is for listening, not watching what it comes out of), and the vendor visits, I was ready. I had to believe my "vintage" Krell would not stand up to a modern, much more expensive McI. I spent hours going back and forth and back and forth. I kept telling myself I would hear something different on the McI and I just did not. So many discs, keying in on different types of passages, focusing on the bass or the vocals or the mids. You name it, I was ready for that one tiny moment to say "drop the money on a McI and don't look back."

Alas, as much as I still have a passion for the McI for the non-auditory reasons above, for the moment I will be sticking with my Krell. I am not here to knock McI - I still love the thought of it, or any type of equipment that might upgrade my listening experience. I guess I should feel good that the Krell is still working and maybe something else will come along in my future. My sound producer friend suggested I spend the dollars on room treatments. :-)

olfac87
53 responses Add your response
soix
9,456 posts
 

If I was you with your system I’d definitely try a tube preamp if you’re open to that. You’re most likely to hear bigger differences (and benefits) versus your Krell, and the tubes tend to last a long time in preamps and typically not very expensive so are relatively low cost/maintenance components. The Backert Rhumba 1.4 would be well worth trying, and they offer a 14-day trial period.

https://backertlabs.com/rhumba-1-3-tube-preamplifier/

If you don’t need a fully balanced pre (but available with optional balanced inputs) the Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL would be another great option and also offers a trial period.

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/microzotl-preamplifier

I’ll also mention the Aric Audio Motherload II that is not balanced but not sure if they offer a trial period.

https://aricaudio.com/products.php?product=MLII

All of these would likely provide a very ear-opening experience — I’d be shocked if you didn’t hear very meaningful differences — if you’re up for it. Just my $0.02 FWIW.

I also agree room treatments are worth exploring, and your Oppo 105 could also certainly be improved upon just by adding a better DAC.  It never ends. 

yakbob
468 posts
 

Despite the obscure thread title, it sounds like you’re putting too much thought into it. Not every piece of gear is going to be for every listener’s system. You had a chance to demo, it wasn’t revelatory in your case, and you’re not out the cost of a preamp. Sounds like a win to me. Kudos to your dealer.

I’d agree with your friend’s recommendation of room treatments. You’ll likely see greater gains there than any single component swap will provide.

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,173 posts
 

The OP has proven to himself what I realized years ago that solid state gear has been a settled issue for quite some time! The truth that most here don't want to face is that proper circuit design/implementation levels the playing field between high and low cost gear! Or old and new gear! There is just no ever-upward climb to Infinity for sound quality with ever-increasing costs! Something manufacturers of costly gear don't want buyers to realize. 

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