2. amps-preamps
  3. 1337442980

Preamp possibles for system...

I am currently using a Belles 21A auricap but have been itching to try something else for possible system improvements. The amp is a T-hold S/500 ll with an Arcam CD23 and Polk SDA-2's with RDO-194 tweets. All IC's/PC's are Morrow Level 3/4. My 22'x35' listening environment is slightly harsh with wood floors and a fair amount of glass. Musical taste is quite varied at moderate volumes.

In general, I feel the base or low level frequencies are a bit forward but not crisply defined. Also the high frquencies seem somewhat constrained or maybe rolling off early...using others terminology I have read. Almost as if the singers are behind the band. Not always, but on enough recording's I notice it.

My previous amp was a Nak 7. Everything else staying the same, I recently switched to the T-hold S/500. I literally would have wrote an exact opposit review of the systems traits critiquing it with the Nak. I was certainly surprised...in a VERY good way.

I have read that the T-hold amps liked certain pre's. Here is a list I have gleaned from some research. I have not seen all of these available, so some maybe out of the question. I would be gratefull for any input to try and target my continued refinement.

Sonic Frontiers line 3
Aestetic Calypso
Audio research LS25 mk1 or 2
Modwright 9.0se
Klyne 7

mlo97

Showing 4 responses by unsound

unsound
7,343 posts
 
As I typically do, I suggest finalizing your speaker choice before doing anything else. The speaker/room combination will have more total effect than anything else.
With that said, re: preamps with the Threshold S/500 Series II. Many of your choices appear to have balanced outputs, something your Threshold series amp doesn't accommodate. Keep in mind that adding true differential balanced operation to gear is not an inexpensive consideration. If your intent on keeping your amp (and a very fine amp it is) then perhaps you might want to partner it with a pre that might have used the extra costs otherwise spent on true differential balanced operation on other parameters. That is not to say that a balanced pre should automatically be disqualified because you'll be using it's single ended output, or that balanced operations doesn't have it's virtues.
Again, I suggest you reconsider your speakers before doing anything else.
unsound
7,343 posts
 
A true differential balanced unit will have to double the number of parts in some stages. So if the same money was spent on less but better parts, the parameters would change.
I've always said that all things being equal, balanced is better, but I guess if one includes budget, that might not be possible. So it would seem to me, that if you aren't going to use the benefits of balanced operation, then money spent on parts for balanced operation would be superfluous, and better spent elsewhere. Whether or not this actually plays in practice is another ball of wax.
FWIW, I'm a big fan of the Dunlavy's. Once again, I suggest deciding on your speakers first, and then deciding on the supporting cast of components.
unsound
7,343 posts
 
I'd suggest getting the Dunlavy's first, and then see if you like it with the Threshold before getting a new pre. The Threshold might have more power than the Dunlavy's need.
unsound
7,343 posts
 
I can't help but wonder if your problems might be more room related than equipment related.
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