2. amps-preamps
  3. 1080655145

Preamp selection advice for rock music.

I am seeking the collective wisdom of the Gon experts.
I do not have the ability to A/B my picks or to audition
them in my system. I am fairly new to this hobby too.
I have an Audio Aero Prima CDP feeding into a Rotel 1066
prepro. The amp is also a Rotel, model 1095, that is going
to JM Lab Electra 926 Speakers. I have the CDP connected to
the prepro through the multi input so as to avoid the Rotel
DAC's. Not sure if this has an affect on the signal.
I like to listen to classic rock mostly and am looking for
a preamp that will help some of the 'HOT' recordings sound
listenable. Mostly helping with simbalance of the recordings
from Led Zepplin, The Doors and etc. I enjoy the detail and
extension that the Audio Aero CDP gives me along with the
expanded sound stage and would prefer to keep these features. The tubes in the CDP helped some but I think that
a tubed preamp would probably do even more and help with the musicality as well.
The two preamp choices that I have made are the Cary SLP
88 and the Conrad Johnson PV10BL. They are available here
on the gon for about $1000.00 and that would be my price
limit, new or used. I also would like to keep an eye to the future upgrade of my amp the next time upgradeitis rears its
ugly head ! Does it ever end ?
Any other suggestions would also be welcomed. HELP !!!
saki70

Showing 3 responses by unclejeff

unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Given loads of time you can search our forums using 'audio aero' and you will on occasion find people using a preamp to modify your audio aero feed.

I have the Capitole Mark II and it is my understanding tht there is not that much differance in the two unit's DACs.

I was so used to using my pre for bass and treble control that it took me quite some time to just un-plug the pre and stick with the Audio Aero. I doubt I will ever own a pre again except that it does allow for better switching between components.

Since you don't live in an area where you can audition that which you want to buy, I suggest leaving well enough alone. You can try to get a better range amp and speakers as the Audio Aero will output both higher and lower frequencies than components down the line can assimulate.

Still, if you don't get satisfaction on this thread do try a search and I do remember some very respected Audiogoners do use a pre, rare that it may be.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
I would try not to alter the signal coming from the Audio Aero. If you can pass the signal through your pre without alteration, and this means also trying not to change it into multi-channel.

I do suspect that, given the greater amount of information coming from your Audio Aero, you would still get a very decent result should you change it to multi-channel; I just woudld't do it.

I would only use a pre as a gloriied switch box and resist using tone/bass controls, etc.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Your Audio Aero is a great source as it is a match for just about any analog amp made. As a matter of fact there are some test CDs that push the limits of speakers especially at the high end(tweeters) and they come with a disclaimer that says if you use this test CD at a fairly high volumn you can do damage to the speaker that is not built to handle the range, even when putting 100 watts into a 300 watt rated speaker. Take this test Cd and put it into an audio aero and you will amazed at the extraordinary range you get.

I was playing with one using my McIntosh 2102 amp a while back and it reproduced a window breaking and I actually found myself ducking what sounded like a rock coming through my plate glass window!
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