2. amps-preamps
  3. 1099585889

Pre amp for Krell FPB & Teac P-70 & D-70??

Hi everyone,
since many of You are so versed in this hobby
- i ask Your advice!
I search a line preamp for my system.
I can't say i am all keen on tube amps & pre amps,
ofcourse i could always reconsider!
So anyone,
suggestions for a great (line) transistor pre amp
(or tube)??
My system includes:
Krell FPB 600C
and
Teac/Esoteric P-70 & D-70.
I use a protype speaker,
close resemblance to Kharma midi grand or Avalon Eidolon.
Speakerwire is fixed and interconnect and digital cables is high resolution silver cables.
They sound close to Nordost better cables!
Only say they are used by Abby Road Studios, among others!
If we could exclude any cable discussion in this,
it would be great!
Cd/ digital pre - is further connected to
a mainstransformer and i use highgrade powercords.
Sounds Designs, audiophile weight matched feets for monitor and bass modules.

So, i will try to explain what i think is the problem!
Sound tends to become somewhat a little anemic
and i think overly analytic/ a little on the cold/dry side!
Mainly You become focused to detailed listening,
which somehow distracts You from the overall experience!
I want more of a fuller and warmer sound, loads of attack!
The system reacts instanly and to a too extreme extent,
(- i dare say it become so in the long run!)
at the quality of the recording/mixing!
I feel some of the analog sense is a little lost here!
Again, i wish to add warmth & body for mid
and bass could be fuller and more extended,
aswell as giving more attack!

Thanks for looking into this matter!
128x128inpieces

Showing 2 responses by audiogoon

audiogoon
68 posts
 
Been there and done the KCT with the Krell 600 and 750. I might also suggest you pick up a Transparent Pixl to plug your amp into to fix the analytic/dry/thin sound you are describing. It takes the 600 to another level entirely more refined, rounded, warmer and more liquid. Reeds and wood instruments have more body and roundedness. It calms down the slightly aggressive sound of the Krell to make it sound like a 600 watt triode amp. very very nice.

Also, as I did try the KCT with the FPB750 mcx I would suggest that with the sound your are complaining about it would be the absolute wrong preamp. I'd go for a VTL 7.5 or 5.5 (maybe a little noisy) and never look back which has balanced outputs unlike some other preamps that run tubes. I don't know if the Hovland outputs balanced but the use of an adapter would interfere with the purity of the signal.

At least try to pixl first. I believe you can find them used for around $1k. I'd reckon a comment that anyone who has a 600 and hasn't had one on it has not heard what the big Krell can do.

I would strongly suggest a tubed preamp also for the sound you're looking for as well. I have heard the BAT pres which are extremely good and have balanced outs but think the VTL would be more of what you're looking for based on your comments. The BAT's which use supertubes can lean towards a very solid state sound themselves.
audiogoon
68 posts
 
Guido

Interested to know the circumstances and equipment with your VTL session. I agree it can be a little soft with the stock tubes, but with Telefunken 12ax7's and some other little tweaks it's tough to beat, especially paired with the Krell. A professional musician and I both ended up purchasing this preamp after extensive auditioning and direct head to head comparisons with ARC Ref2 Mk II preamp, and Krell KCT. Yes, it was softer sounding with the stock tubes, but interestingly, and the deciding track for both of us was a piano piece by Chopin! The VTL doesn't impress with HIFI attributes but communicates subtle musical cues with aplomb that other world class pre's miss entirely. The synergy of VTL preamp with Krell amps is the important thing here in my opinion, as all the gear being discussed is good on it's own. If you haven't heard it, beg borrow or steal a unit to hear on your amp at all costs!
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