Opportunity to buy the best Preamp... but which?

Take Markwatkiss' advice and save tons of money by trying an Audio Horizons TP 2.0 preamp for 30 days.

It's really worth a listen, I'm not affiliated with the company, just a very satisfied listener.

>>I'm in the market for a new pre-amp with almost no budget constraint<<

We all should have such problems.

Why not buy 2 or 3?
I would.

Thanks for all the replies!

Let me explain a little - I'm in the market for a new pre-amp with almost no budget constraint. I've heard many of the pre-amps I listed, but not in comparison to one another, except for a couple though not extensively.

I left out from my list some obvious brands, like BAT, Boulder, Einstein, McIntosh, LAMM, Linn, Levinson, because I don't particularly like them sonically.

Having said that, I guess it was obvious to me before my post, and now after so many replies, that choosing from that list is probably a question of "flavour" rather than finding one Good-Better-Best among them.

With that in mind, do you think we've reached the age of Renaissance for Pre-Amp designs? Are there any new designs that leapfrog all these top machines?

Andrew

Jfz, the last CTC Blowtorch to be completed is available, although perhaps not for long. It is a classic but is too much trouble to build.

Newly,

Does your list come from personal experience or just guessing based on reputation? I've heard many of the preamps listed and I find huge gaps in performance between these various models. Listing every preamp with a high price tag or a good review doesn't help anyone.

Mojo

The EAR/Yoshino 912 is worth your consideration, especially if you want/need a flexible built in phono stage.

since there are about 500 'best', past and present, spend the money on one you like the sound of and that is made by a company that has a long history and a secure future. many of the models/brands that are beloved for a year or so when they launch, soon are oddities.

C'mon Hooper.....just how many audiophiles do you think are named Andrew anyway?
What, do you think we are fools? :)

John (well, there may be two John's, since it's so common a name)

Fmpnd:

That's not me. I do have the Connoisseur. Same name, Andrew, but different person. We have similar tastes, though. :)

I would go for SS preamp, IMHO, the signal is so low tubes can get unreliable. I dont like tubes on the preamp, again IMHO.

I think a manufacturer that does passive is certainly familiar with transparency, so I would recommend First Sound or Placette if you dont have a TT.

For full function with Phono I really like the Metaxas top of the line, very interesting oscilating power supply, etc. Any system we connected it to sounded wonderfull.

Raul´s Essential is also up there, very clean and transparent.
Halcro sounded very nice...I dont think you can go wrong with FM.

I am curious about Supratek, never heard it but I like the gain!!

It sounds like a fun project -- looking for a preamp without heavy constraints on price. But, at best, we can only suggest what to look at, because it is nearly impossible to guess what sound you would prefer and how the preamp will behave in your system. Personally, I find preamps and linestages to be the most sensitive and unpredictable components when it comes to working with other electronics. Linestages that sounded terrific in some systems can sound aweful in others. For those reasons, there can be no single "best."

It would also be helpful if you would say what kind of features you require (e.g., remote control, phase inversion, balance control), whether you have any space limitations (e.g., Audionote M-10 comes in four very large chassis), and other such detail.

Of the linestages you have listed, I have some familiarity with the VTL and the AR. They are pretty nice units and have good remote controls and are quite versatile. But, there sound is more in the solid state camp than the tube camp, so, if you like that kind of sound, I would say stick to solid state.

If you are looking for the kind of harmonic density and correct "feel" of tubes, and if you are looking for the natural sounding transient attack of good tube gear, you should look into the following: Kondo M-77 or M1000, Audionote (uk) M-10 (crazy expensive, though cheaper models sound good too), Emotive Audio Epifania (I own a version with remote control and all of the teflon cap upgrades).

I would add Einstein to your tube list - to consider; and CTC Blowtorch (I believe it would have to be used,i.e. I think production has stopped) to your SS list.

Tube territory:Audio note kondo m-77 or M-1000MKII, is the best, others second line Aestethix, ARC ref3, First sound, VAC..perhaps Wavac and Shindo top of the line near Kondo
SS preamps:MBL, FM, Boulder, Rey audio, Connoisseur CTC and Soulution, best relation price/quality soulution, best absolute perhaps FM top of line.

I think the guy's asking about "the best preamp" rather than "my preamp":)

In this light, I suggest you consider: for tubes the Art (which you referenced), the big Aesthetics, and perhaps a CAT.

In SS, the FM acoustics. Maybe the MBL or the Burmester...

Messenger all tube preamp. Yes, I own it and love it. The Messenger is a legendary piece and has taken best of the show honors at CES in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Nuff said.

I had the ref 2mkII and ref 3..I own the 202 Krell now. When used with the 402 amp in balanced mode, it is just about flawless...almost like being in Boston symphony hall!

You should go to www.H-Cat.com, website of North American Products and check out the P12R preamp. You should really try to audition this preamp before you drop big bucks on another preamp. How does it sound? Like the Real Thing. MUSIC. Doesn't cost you anything to try it.

You should consider the Audio Horizons TP 2.0,check out the threads in the discussion forum.You may want to think twice about Calloways recommendation in light of those comments.
You have nothing to lose with a free 30 day home trial.

i certainly would include the 'first sound paramount se' preamp in any discussion of the best tube preamps.i have heard 2 of the initial pre's mentioned and the 'paramount se' imo..is better.

i heard a preamp at ces that i would purchase before i would consider any of the aforementioned preamps. however, it is the classic tube sound, euphonic and lush.uspect that while i like it very few who would read my post would concur with me.

anyay, here it is: navison special edition mk 1, at $4000. the designers are from north vietnam, but they have a california office. they exhibited at the st. tropez.

there is a possibility i may review this product.

Hey Hooper! I thought you had a Coinnoisseur?

Hello, I'd add the gorgeous McIntosh C1000C to your list. It consists of a "control box" (9k) and your choice of a solid state or tube preamplifier section (8k each). It can be used with both tubed and solid state sections together to make a three box system(total $27k), which can be switched on-the-fly between tube or solid state per remote control, or for tubes only (total $17k). It's sapposed to be pretty neutral sounding... I've thought about the tubed version only for my system in another year or so..., but the cost!! Also, I've talked to BAT about the REX. It's an 18 tube preamp and goes for $18k. It looks like the price for reference preamps are skyrocketing in cost. I don't know how much you want to spend, but I'd give these two a listen.

What about Supratek Grange?

I second The Vac Renaissance Signature Mk II, I have owned about 5 or 6 top of the line tube pre's in the last 20 years and nothing comes close to this especially if you have a T.T. the phono stage is second to none. Can't help with SS although I would love to try the Dart.

And I will add VAC Ren Sig Mk2 at that price, or VAC Ren Mk2 for a few thousand less.

That is some list, you probably couldn't go wrong with any of them. I would check out the ARC Ref 3 and the BAT VK-52SE/Rex.