Cary Audio SSLP-98. A sweet, dynamic, low noise triode, 6SN7 tube sweet sounding preamp with uncanny tone.
Pre-amp for Parasound A21+ & B&W 803 D3
Good morning. I am looking to upgrade from my system to use my NAD C658 just as a DAC/streamer rather than an all-in-one preamp. Currently it feeds a Parasound A21+ amp powering B&W 803 D3 floor standers. Adding in the dedicated preamp would necessitate adding in a phono stage but I consider that largely outside the scope of this request. I have reached the decision paralysis phase of searching so wanted to get some suggestions. Unfortunately there are no good audio stores within a 2 hour drive of where I live, so largely will have to choose based on features/reputation/recommendations. Help appreciated!
Considering/considered (but am ABSOLUTELY open to other suggestions outside these):
- NAD M66 (replace the C658 altogether)
- Parasound JC2 BP
- McIntosh C8 (tube) or C49 (SS)
- Rogue Audio RP-7
- Benchmark LA4
Current equipment:
- Pro-ject Carbon EVO turntable with Sumiko Wellfleet stylus
- NAD C658 DAC/streamer/preamp
- Parasound A21+ amp
- B&W 803 D3 speakers
Budget: up to ~$5k but there is flexibility in this for the right piece
Location: USA (Alabama)
Room: 14.5 ft wide x 13.3 ft deep x 9 ft tall, treated with GIK Acoustics panels and curtains
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@avanti1960 @baylinor Thank you both for the great suggestions! |
I have owned the A21+ and liked it. It was a bit too warm for me but I thought the Benchmark LA4 was really good with it. I tend to love the LA4 (or HPA4) with all the amps I have paired it with. I use the HPA4 with the CODA #16 amp (not selling either one). A few weeks ago, I sold the Holo Audio Serene preamp which is a bit like the LA4 but warmer. Today, I got delivery of the new Schitt Kara F preamp. It cost $799 and going into my office system where the HPA4 used to reside when I had the Serene preamp. I cannot tell on the first day with the Kara if this is a killer preamp. So far, the Holo Serene and the HPA4 are better. I have a feeling the Kara will end up sounding like the Serene. All 3 measure about the same. I would have bought a LA4, but I did not want to spend any extra money and the funds for the Kara are coming from a future sale of my Schitt Mjolnir v3 headphone amp + preamp. The MJ3 is very warm and rather good and in demand. My new Kara F is going into the new Schitt Wotan amp driving Magnepan Mini speakers. The Wotan is really good. After a few months now with $2k Wotan I think it is good as the CODA #8 that I owned at one time.
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- 10 posts total