Preamp Opinion


A couple of weeks ago, I asked for advice on my amp and preamp. Although I am sure that it could be improved, I have come to the conclusion that the Parasound A23 is the least of my problems. I also have a Parasound New Classic 2100 preamp, a Marantz 8600 CD player/streamer (which I also think doesn't need to be replaced), and Focal Aria 926 speakers. I did listen to advice I was given and am expecting a vintage McIntosh SL-1 sub to my system.

I am looking at a few used preamps and wanted to get your opinions on them since the only one I have heard is the Adcom GFP-750 and that was years ago. My memory is that it had a very good sound to it. The other preamps I am considering are the Rotel RC-1572, Rogue RP-1, Coplant CTA 301 MKII, Bryston BP6, and Vincent SA-T7. Unfortunately, I have not heard any of them and don't have a location where I can. I tend to prefer a sound that is not too bright but provides a good clear soundstage and imaging. I have always owned solid state before and am a little leery of tube maintenance.

Thank you for your advice or observations about any of these preamps.
bcool57

Showing 2 responses by markusthenaimnut

@jayctoy @ditusa @wolfe_garcia @georgehifi and others who have commented so positively on the Schitt gear. Good to hear such high praise of the Freya. Quick question - is it your "forever" preamp? Or are you of a mind to eventually replace it with something else?
I recommend you go with a tube preamp. Look for something based around the 6SN7 tube, with point to point wiring. Ideally it will have tube rectification. Even better if it has tube regulation. To ensure max value, I’d probably look for something used, although my current preamp is the first piece of equipment in many years I purchased new and willingly paid full retail for. I’ve never suffered from buyers remorse on this purchase or any of the current items in my system. 

Take your time. Read on this forum. Certain builders/companies/pieces of equipment (especially those which are relatively small operations or "boutique" builders)  consistently come up. For instance, Don Sachs, Atmasphere, Supratek, Aric Audio, First Sound, DeHavilland. Rogue & Primaluna are pretty well thought of. Before I started hanging around here I'd never heard of some of these guys. 

I don't really know what your for-real, no-kidding budget is. I found that, the more I read the more i eventually increased my budget.

Here's why that might be a good idea. If you buy right once, you don't have to upgrade. I started reading comments from some folks that once they bought a certain piece of equipment they were "done" upgrading that part of their system. Personally, I hate churning equipment, losing money on buying/selling, auditioning and fretting over my system. I just want to listen to the music. I know there are some folks who really enjoy the swapping in/out process. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just not me.

Do you need a phono stage? Or just a line stage? There are many fine builders/companies out there.

Why do I recommend this? For sheer beauty of sound. Tone. A well designed and well built tube preamp will give you this in spades. It will help illuminate the artistic choices the ensemble (regardless of genre) is making. For instance, you can hear when a vocalist is smiling when they are singing. Sometimes it seems I can hear when the bassist is looking at the drummer and nodding and they are in sync.

Music should be relaxing and beautiful. My tube preamp does this for me. My buddy, who used to be way into tubes, now is using a Luxman integrated that also sounds very, very fine. I think it’s a 590 or something like that. It also has a beautiful, rich tone.