2. amps-preamps
  3. 186507-34747

Preamp for a GaN-FET amp...

Hello everyone... I'm thinking of replacing my Belles Aria Integrated for a GaN-Fet amp. I would have preferred to purchase an integrated GaN-Fet, but they are either too expensive or of questionable quality. I therefore resign myself to opting for an amp/preamp combo. My question is the following :

Which preamp do you recommend for a GaN-Fet amp?

I haven't made my choice yet, but the only GaN-Fet amp within my reach is the Starkrimson (used). Please note that if I opt for GaN-Fet, it is to avoid tubes, so I would prefer a preamp WITHOUT tube (and not a class A).

My speakers are Altec 620A (100 db efficiency) and I mainly listen to digital sources through a Metrum DAC. I also sometimes listen to records on my Garrard 401... That's basically why I need a preamp.

Note: the Belles Aria Integrated is a superb machine with astonishing sound, but I'm looking for an amp whose midrange is as good as a tube. The Altec don't do any favors and they are a little harsh in the midrange, especially at high volume. For those who would like to understand what I am trying to express by "as good as a tube", I suggest you listen to this interview with Ralph Karsten who explains the limits of transistors much better than me.

Thank you ! 😎

alaindexe

Showing 7 responses by alaindexe

alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
soix : I haven't figure that out yet but my guess is that it should be below 2K.
ghdprentice : Thx for your advice. BTW, when you said "fishing at the very bottom of the barrel", we're you saying that Starkrimson is the bottom of the barrel ?
atmasphere : you pretty much answered my question. BTW, thx for all the infos you shared with the community. When I watched your video by the SFAS, you really nailed it when you explained the limitations of transistors. You said exactly what I've been hearing for years.
testrun : I wish I could afford an AGD... or an Atma-Sphere for that matter. I guess I should have also asked how much money should I spend to get a decent GanFet amp...
dekay : yes, I've been wanting to improve them for a long time...
audioman58 : (see my answer to SOIX)

orchardaudio : thx for your answer...

yyzsantabarbara : for some reason, I haven't though of Peachtree, nor the Holo Serene... thx for these suggestions...

wolf_garcia : "a mental health issue"? If we both spend as much time on Audiogon, I guess we both have the same mental illness... I had my share of tube amps in my youth and I don't want to have to deal with tube anymore ... also, my place get very hot in summer time... but I may consider a tube preamp after all...

 

alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
chenry : thx... very interresting reflexion about the future of tubes in audio...
riccitone : I never heard from SPL but it does sound promissing...
 
 
 
 
 

mbmi : I've checked Audio GD and it seems nice but about twice my budget

soix : thx, but they all are over my 2K budget...
orchardaudio, atmasphere : would a passive preamp be a proper match ?
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
soix : I live in Canada... 2K Canadian $ = 1,5K US $. The reason I want a GaN-Fet amp is because almost every reviewer said that the mid is as good as a tube. Therefore, if I plug my DAC into the amplier, it should sounds that way... I've had a passive pream before and it was very transparent. I sold it because I lacked power when I listen to vinyl. But class D amps are so powerful that I should have plenty of power...
dekay : l doubt that those crossovers would make a huge difference. If I change them, it would be for Werner Jagusch Crossover. 
r_f_sayles : you are so right... I tend to ask for impossible things (like many of us), and even if people don't take all the criteria into account, it feeds my thoughts...
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
@dekay : I will get my cross-overs recaped before doing that...

@snapsc : good question... yes, I might use the Aria as a preamp for a while

@dht4me : thx but a battery powered preamp is not an option for me...

@jeffrey125 : thx but I need single ended (RCA) jacks input...

@ditusa : nice suggestion... thx...

alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 

@armstrod : great suggestion ! Also, I’ve always admired David Berning and his philosophy...

alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 

after reading a lot on the subject, I have come to certain conclusions:

- some amps using Pascal modules are considered among the best; in other words, it’s not just a matter of Gan-Fet technology, even if it seems to be the most promising one;

- since I bought my Belles Aria Integrated to avoid tubes, it would be illogical to go for a class D amp and add a tube preamp;

- some manufacturers seem to use Gan-Fet for marketing purposes rather than for its technical possibilities;

- there seems to be a reliability issue with the Starkrimson mono;

- if it’s possible to plug a DAC directly into a class D amp, why not add a passive preamp in order to have more than one source?

In other words, I haven’t made up my mind. I’m hesitating between buying an amp and a passive preamp or waiting for the arrival of a class D integrated that meets my expectations...

alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 

You state there is reliability issues with the Starkrimson mono's, care to share? I haven't heard or read of any issues.

@evank : I've seen this problem reported by two different users... I think it has to do with the power supply but I'm not sure... this guys explains in details what could be an issue here.

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