2. amps-preamps
  3. 1287791949

Preamp Suggestions for my system

I'm looking for suggestions on which preamps to consider for my system combination. My system consists of Manley 300b Neoclassic PP/SET monoblocks driving the new Omega Super 8XRS (96db efficient) single driver alnico speakers. Cabling is Acoustic Zen Silver/Matrix and Hologram II for the speaker cables. I'm currently using a Manley Shrimp but I am looking to upgrade to a reference level preamp as I am looking for further resolution and detail, bigger soundstage and better/deeper bass control. I want a musical but not overly analytical sound with neutral voicing.

The Omega single driver are very revealing of whatever is upstream and I plan to hang on to the amps indefinitely so really looking for a preamp that will mate well with my amps. If I decide to go to different speakers in the future I figure I would at least like to have a rock solid front end to build off of (especially if I decide to go to even higher sensitivity horns down the road).

I have been looking at possibly a Conrad Johnson CT5 or something at that level. Would this be a good choice and are there other preamps I should audition at that level ($3-5k used or new).
latinsamba1
9 responses Add your response
latinsamba1 OP
74 posts
 
I heard the Tron Seven Reference phono last weekend at Highwater Sound and my search is now over. The Tron, paired with Tron Telstar and driving Horning Eufrodite speakers produced the most dynamic, natural and effortless music I have ever heard. Frankly, Jeff's system has me completely rethinking the path I plan to take with audio.

I placed an order for the brand new Seven Reference full function (line and phono in one box) unit on the spot. He also had a Syren set up and can only imagine what that must sound like! Many thanks to Jeff who I found both very knowledgeable and helpful.
don_rycroft
4 posts
 
You would have to go a lot higher in the CJ line up to out class a Shindo.If time is not a consideration have a look at Audio Horizons,very detailed thread on this forum.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
You might want to check out Joule Electra. I've used their 100 pre with Cary 300b momoblocks into Merlin VSM SEs with great results. On the budget side, Audible Illusions barks up the "tubier" sounding side of the tree. I had good results with this pre in the aforementioned system, as well. Got to be careful with reliability on the AI stuff, though, service problems are legendary.

Good Luck
Marty
latinsamba1 OP
74 posts
 
Thanks for the input! I am beginning to audition what I can here around NYC and I listened to the AMAZING Shindo preamps and amps today. My search may be over (albeit at a price tag slightly above what I had intended to spend)...

The Monbrison full function pre was just remarkably musical and produced a sound so close to live music. I also want to hear a CJ CT5 and the Tron line but hard to imagine anything at that price point topping it :)
montejay
285 posts
 
Look at the Coincident Statement Linestage.
I've used it with my 300b monoblocks. At 5k new you will be amazed at it build quality.I am astounded that it does not cost more. That seems to be a trademark of Coincident. Based on what you outlined,it has what you are looking for.
See my review on audiogon

Regards,
glide3
402 posts
 
I am a very strong proponent for passive attenuation. I have had some very well reviewed and expensive active linestages and I always end up coming back to the passives.

In my situation I have sources with high output and I am able to keep my cable runs very short (1m or less) and I also use unshielded cable from source to passive and passive to amps. I also have high sensitivity speakers so system gain is not an issue at all for me.

I currently have a couple TVC units, a buffer and the lightspeed attenuator....none cost me more than $750 used and IMO, in my system and based on my taste they perform as well or better than the several $10k-$18k active linestages I have owned or tried.

They genrally don't have the flexibility and/or cache but they provide what I feel a linestage should as well or better than anything else I have had.

YMMV but if you haven't explored this route and your system and needs spec out to be compatible with a passive, I strongly encourage you to try this route. The risk is low and the rewards potentially very high
rrog
1,958 posts
 
I am curious why you are not considering a Manley preamp.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I would be interested in Hovland and Klyne.
robertbrown
151 posts
 
try a Plinius M-8
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