Would really help to know what specific improvements and sound characteristics you’d like to achieve, otherwise you’re just gonna get random recommendations that are all over the place.
Preamp to Pair with NAD M23
Hi everyone,
I recently got a NAD M23 to replace an Adcom GFA-555 that I've been using the past 10 years. I am using a Bryston 11B as a preamplifier currently along with an Arcam irDAC to drive a pair of Kef 104/2s. Overall, I am pretty happy with the sound but am curious about newer preamplifiers. The sound stage and imaging with the NAD is definitely an improvement to the Adcom especially at lower volume levels. I have been looking at the Benchmark HPA4 as a potential replacement and using the Bryston as a phono preamp. For anyone with experience with any of these components would a major upgrade or more of a lateral move as I understand that Bryston and Benchmark are both known to be fairly neutral. Any other suggestions are welcome as well. Thanks.
Andrew
Showing 5 responses by soix
The Benchmark may be a good candidate. The other thing to consider is moving up the Bryston line. Here’s a nice BP26 at a good price — it doesn’t have the phono section but you could either use the one in the 11b or get a better separate phono stage, which is what I’d do as it’s an important component. I had a BP6 for years and it was the proverbial “straight wire with gain” component that produced a silent backdrop from which images just popped within an expansive 3D stage — it was a poster child for utter transparency. James Tanner told me the BP6’s topology is near identical to the BP26 with the major difference being the 26’s balanced connections and separate power supply. I’d have to assume over the past 25-30 years Bryston has made some significant improvements so this might be worth considering if you just want more of what you already have. |
@erik_squires makes an excellent point. There are some neutral tube preamps that may be a big improvement in several ways over what you have now. I’d recommend taking a look at the Linear Tube Audio MZ2. I actually bought this to replace my beloved BP6 if that tells you anything although I unfortunately haven’t gotten to listen to it yet. Here’s a nice used one at a 42% discount from its current price and comes with the all-important linear power supply upgrade, and if it doesn’t blow you away you can just turn around and sell it for little/no loss — well worth the risk IMHO. The tubes in this thing last a looooong time and are cheap to replace, so don’t let that dissuade you, and as a bonus it’s a first-rate headphone amp if you ever swing that way. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650017308-linear-tube-audio-micro-zotl-mz-2/ |
Congrats! You made a great choice and am sure you’re gonna be thrilled. If you don’t already have headphones you might look forward to getting some in the future because it’s one helluva headphone amp as well. You can get excellent sounding ‘phones in the $100-$300 range these days. Let us know what you think once the MZ2 settles in if you could. Did you get the LPS? |
@docroasty Love to hear your impressions of the Atmasphere amps once they’re settled in. |