2. amps-preamps
  3. 148115-79353

preamp

I am looking to seek some guidance from  'experienced gurus' in this forum. I presently have a Tube mono blocks 'Auris Forte 150' it's from Serbia by Auris Audio paired with Tube( hybrid) preamp unicorn pre by unison research and speakers are Focal sopra N3. Sonically not fully satisfied. I am sure by replacing the preamp with a appropriate one I will achieve the 'highs ' and 'mids'.I want to replace the preamp and torn between 
- Mcintosh C2600
- Audio research LS28
- VTL 5.5 iii.
I even came across  chinese brand Cayin M11LS  tube preamp. In the used market I looked at the McIntosh C1100 for about 60% of the retail. Bit over my budget.
All theses are in the same price range $7500 USD.  I have never paid a full retail price on any of my equipment. Probably  Mac I could get the best discount . I am not able to try any on these at home with my system. Even if I listen to these preamps they are set up with differently  at the stores. 
Appreciate  fellow members  thoughts.
vishu

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,086 posts
 
As John Atkinson said in Stereophile when he measured the Sopra's, your going to need an amp with far more current than what your have to drive the bass properly, this will completely change the tonal balance, control and quality your hearing, to one that the speaker manufacturer intended you to hear.
@georgehifi 

If you were reading the actual post put up by the actual person asking the actual question, you will see this remark:
I am sure by replacing the preamp with a appropriate one I will achieve the 'highs ' and 'mids'.
and then, asked directly about this issue, the actual person asking the original question responded with this actual quote:
Missing the upper treble response and crispiness. I feel the details are not fully revelled.  I am thinking this is the trade off  with fully tube amp and preamp.
While his surmise about tubes appears incorrect its also true that your comments about bass amount to a 'furphy'.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,086 posts
 
It’s not the preamp that’s the problem. It’s a great amp the Auris Forte 150 tube amp, unfortunately it’s with the wrong speaker, which btw is also a great speaker but with the wrong amp..
This statement is false. The speaker is an easy load for an amp like the Forte 150 (which behaves as a voltage source).
@vishu,
The web does not have a lot of information about this amplifier (including the manufacturer's website). Do you know if its internally balanced or is the XLR connection just there for convenience?
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