2. amps-preamps
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Preamp recommendation pre amp

I am looking to buy a preamp and would need some suggestion.

Currently my system is:

B&W Nautilus 802
Mcintosh 352 (Solid State)
CD/Pre Mark Levinson 39
Speaker cables MIT Oracle V3 (RCA)
IC MIT V3.1 balanced
No special power cords, I am not sure how the power line is but can say the wiring is rather old.

Positives: sound stage, details, layering, liquid mids and good bass.

Negatives: Highs are a bit grainy/edgy and a tad lean, mids sometimes tends to be a bit lean too.

I was thinking of trying the following Preamps:
ML 380s
CJ 16LS MKII

Would appreciate comments on these preamps and also other preamps that you all think would be a good match for my system.

How useful will be a good power cord/conditioner in my setup?

Thanks
sahotas

Showing 1 response by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I have had some experience with ML 38, 38S and 380S. They are all wonderful preamps. Highly recommended. The 38 series seems to do well with the stock power cord.

As for your cables, leanness usually indicates a problem with the speaker cables. If you are getting the high-frequencies with good focus, but it sounds a bit dry, this is usually the speaker cables. Good speaker cables may give you the lifelike "sparkle" and eliminate the granularity.

If the focus is not razor-sharp, then it is the interconnects. The IC's also give you bass tightness.
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