2. amps-preamps
  3. 151950-112598

Pre-amplifier suggestions

Back in July, I asked for SS amp recommendations.  Since then I have acquired some Krell "KAS" monoblocks and some ML 33H.  I have listened to both fed by an ARC Ref 3.  The Krell were more revealing, the ML sounded dark.  This difference prompted me to dig out my Pass Aleph P (pre).  With the Aleph there is an immediate and extremely noticeable improvement across the entire range.  Now, i am wanting to upgrade my preamplification. 

I am considering the following preamps in no particular order:
1. Dartzeel
2.  Esoteric Grandioso C1
3.  Vitus
4.  Solution 520
5.  Boulder 1010
6.  ML 32 or 52
7.  Nagra Classic or HD
8.  ARC Ref 6
9.  Absolare Passion
10.  First sound
11.  Atma MP1
12. Bat Rex

As you can see I'm all over the place...The Krell KAS has balanced inputs,  the ML has both balanced and single-ended inputs.  I use long balanced interconnects, the amps are 16 ft. away.  If you have experience with either of these two amps, please provide a preamp suggestion.  Lastly, I would like to keep this under $15K (preowned).

Best,
Jose
jg2077

Showing 1 response by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
jg2077
With the Aleph there is an immediate and extremely noticeable improvement across the entire range.
Aleph L very hard to get one, it was one of  Nelson's favorite preamps.
Bit of a chameleon, it's passive preamp up till around 3 o'clock on the volume control after which if your system needed it, then turns slowly into active with varying gain up to full volume.

Nelson Pass
Unique to this preamp, patent pending, is a volume level control which combines the best qualities of a passive attenuator and active gain circuitry:
At the 3 o’clock volume control position, the Aleph L offers a direct path from input to output.
The only component in the signal path is wire and switch contacts.
At positions below 3 o’clock, the volume control functions as a precision passive attenuator using discrete resistor ladders.

Above 3 o’clock, active gain is added to the output signal in 2 decibel increments, for a
maximum of 10 dB.
As a result, you suffer the effects of active circuitry only when additional gain is necessary.


Cheers George    
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