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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

teetrain
soix
9,456 posts
 

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?

Post removed 
teetrain OP
4 posts
 

Hey everyone, I got the microZOTL with LPS in last week.  Initially the right channel was muted and I reached it to LTA.  They were great even with me buying this used and recommended getting a new pair of matched input tubes.  This fixed the issue and it sounds great.  The soundstage is great and it sounds awesome at low and high volume.  Particularly vocals and piano sound much more lifelike.  Thanks everyone for the recommendations.  Definitely going to be looking for some headphones to try at some point.

docaudio_mc
2 posts
 

How are you liking that MZ2 /M23 pairing? 

teetrain OP
4 posts
 

It sounds great, definitely a great pairing to my ears.  I initially was using a Bryston 11B as well as a Linn Kairn and prefer it over both.  The MZ2 is has a much better soundstage/imaging and vocals sound right.  

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