The LTA is a really beautiful piece of kit. Easily the quietest tubed pre I have ever heard and the low volume resolution is exceptional. The LS100 is not as clean sounding or anywhere near as resolving, however EVERYTHING sounds B+, or even A-. The LTA has a lot more A+, goosebump moments, but when it doesn't sound good it really doesn't sound good. . Compared to the prima luna, the LTA is simply in a different class. Curious about the higher end Ayre gear or ARC, but, as always, cost is the issue. Thanks for the Herron suggestion BigG! Your recommendation re tubes def made the modwright better btw.
Preamp shootout: Linear tube audio, Modwright, etc.
Hi Audio friends,
The world of preamps is taking me down a lot of rabbit holes and I'm curious what everyone out there thinks. My journey here started with using my Dac direct to amp. As soon as I inserted a dedicated pre the debate over pre vs. no pre ended. Didn't realize I was missing a third of the music. My current rig: wilson sabrina's, Coda TS v2 power amp, exasound DAC, silnote & cardas cables . I was using a Modwright LS100 and I'm currently trialing the Linear tube audio ref pre. The LS 100 is holographic, images well, but is not nearly as open or detailed as the LTA. The LTA is gorgeous through the mids, but is a little muddy through the bass and not really suited for hard rock. Wonder if different tubes would make a substantial difference to the LTA? If anyone has experience please share.
What other options might be considered in this price range?
Showing 3 responses by cshadow
@lancelock Interesting to hear your perspective on the coda pre. Doug at Coda is one of my favorite people in the audio world and I have no doubt that his pre is fantastic! This coda TS is a powerhouse. I think you have helped me make my decision. There is something special about the LTA and your are right in your assessment of the speed and dynamics. There is a constellation pre for sale right now that is intriguing, but this is a forever hobby and for better or worse one has to stop and enjoy the music at some point. |
@phcollie - Yeah - I hear you. Went from loving integrateds, to thinking I was somehow ahead of the curve going Dac to power amp - LOL Have a whole new respect for the Pre as a result. It really is the heart of a good system. |