2. amps-preamps
  3. 1233341924

Please suggest good balanced Preamp


I woould like to get your experiences with and recomendadtions for balanced preamp with XLR input/output and possiblly balanced design from input to output. Cost around $3500 or less (used or new) would be good. Less is better. My criterias are :
1. Extreme transparency.
2. Extreme low noise. S/N > 100 dB.
3. Phono is not required but I have no objection if it has phono.
4. Minimum one pair of XLR input and one pair of XLR outputs.
5. Remote will be good but I can compromise a remote for the quality of the preamp.
6. Tube (preferable) or SS

I tend to prefer tube preamp over SS, but very good SS pre is not out of question. I am too lazy in tube rolling business and like to stick to the stock tubes that comes with the pre from the manufacturer. I know, I will miss the best capability by not rolling tubes. But I don't want to fill up my house with tubes.

Few recomendadtions I have received are:
ARC Ref 3 (out of my price range)
Ayre K1xe (little over my budget even used)
Pass Labs XP10 (this may be within my budget if used)
McCormack VRE-1 ( model ??, have not seen in used market)
VTL 7.5 (way over my budget even used)
Atma Sphere MP-1 (also costly)
Asthetix Calypso (many complains very noisy, does not fit my criteria).

What can you suggest for an exceptional balanced tube preamp of similar caliber of preamps mentioned above within my budget ?
Thanks,
topmostaudio

Showing 2 responses by clio09

clio09
3,364 posts
 
Add the Jeff Rowland Capri to your list. This preamp really surprised me and has great synergy with my VAC tube amps.

While you mention the MP-1 being expensive, the MP-3 should be right around your price range. An excellent tube preamp.
clio09
3,364 posts
 
I have listened to the MP-3 quite a bit as I know a few people who own them. At CES I sat with Ralph Karsten for about an hour listening to the MP-1 with vinyl as the source (Porcupine Tree no less, Ralph is a big fan). The MP-3 is very transparent and detailed. It packs a lot of punch in the low end, but overall is very tonally balanced and accurate. One of the best tube preamps for rock music IMO, but I've enjoyed listening to all types of music with the MP-3. The MP-1 stretches it even further, but considering the price difference I really think you could be happy with an MP-3.

Please note that each time I've listened to an Atma-sphere preamp it has been mated with an Atma-sphere amp. I think this contributed to the overall sound I heard.
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