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  3. 1438620491

Preamp Help

I've been scouring the net for all types of information and thought it prudent to reach out to my fellow Agoners for some help in choosing a new/used tube preamp. Recently sold my Allnic L1500...too dark...and using a Reference Line One Series II passive....more gain...but I do like it. Spent the weekend listening to new Audio Research gear at dealer and was blown away by GSPre. Totally out of my price range, but was thinking about similar performance and tone from used...maybe LS17SE, Ref3, Ref2 MKII, etc. Any suggestions? I've had:
CJ ET2 - Too Noisy even after return to CJ
Allnic L1500 - Too dark, blunted leading edges
First Sound MKII - Terrible ergonomics, Gain too course, but otherwise great sound...pretty close to ideal
Reference Line 1A - Not enough gain, tends to be too forward

But it was the sound of the AR that approaches the type of balanced sound I'm searching for. (Dealer used Vandersteen Quatro Wood, GSPre, and GS150)

Will be partnering with Ghent Mono and Magnepan MG 3.6r.
Thanks
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Showing 1 response by minorl

minorl
1,015 posts
 
I agree. The REF75 isn't powerful enough for the Maggies. In my opinion.

However, if money is an issue, people are on the REF5SE bandwagon right not and are selling their REF3 pre-amps. Which offers great opportunities for one to buy a really great pre-amp.

The REF 5 in my opinion wasn't that much better than the REF3 to warrant an upgrade. The REF5SE on the other hand is that much better. But, the price is really high. So, I would go with the REF 3. It really is a great pre-amp.

enjoy
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