2. amps-preamps
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Preamp Options

Hi,

I am interested in upgrading my integrated musical fidelity kw500 and replacing it with a pair of mono blocks and a preamp.

I am looking at the following pre amps:
Lamm ll2 reference
Lamm ll2.1 deluxe
Von Gaylord uni
Allinic l-3000
Audion quattro 2 chassis

If I go with the lamm, I will probably pair with lamm mono blocks. If I go with the uni, I will probably pair with the uni mono blocks.

I currently have Von Gaylord chinchilla interconnects and chinchilla speaker cables. I have some shunyata power cords and a hydra 8. I currently use b&w 803d speakers that are bi-wired. I listen primarily to indie rock and vocals using a vpi Aries 2 extended with a sound smith smmc1 cartridge.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Yuri
ybukhan
allchemie
118 posts
 
The Coincident Technologies Line Stage is an incredible pre-amp and by far the best one can get at $5,000. The only downside is it only has two inputs and no remote. Sound-wise, you won't find a better unit. Coincident also makes a great phono stage at around $5,500.

The Audion Quattro 2-chassis is also an excellent unit.

I have seen on Audiogon the Einstein The Tube Mark II at $11,000. It is also an incredible pre-amp, fully balanced, very dynamic, crystal clear with great micro and macro dynamics.
bobheinatz
712 posts
 
Since you live in San Francisco you could check out the Shindo products at Pitch Perfect Audio.
ybukhan OP
11 posts
 
Thanks everyone.
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
Have a look at the TRON Seven. Beautifully made (to order) Brit boutique tube pre distributed by Jeff Catalano at Highwater Sound NYC. Great sound quality and can be customised to suit your system (with or without phono, silver/copper wire, matched cartridge loading etc). I gather a lot of people commented positively about the TRON gear at RMAF.
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