2. amps-preamps
  3. 173646-150722

Schiit Aegir pre-amp recommendation

I have a newly acquired Aegir and currently matched to Kef Ls50s with a NAD 326BEE as the preamp.

Does anyone have any experience with a non-Schiit preamp that matches well with the Aegir?

My thoughts: I've had a lot amps in my day and I think the Aegir is pretty darn good for what it is especially if matched with a class A pre (like the 326bee). I like it's small form factor and for a small room with the KEF LS50s it is pretty satisfying. So I liked to match it with a high quality preamp with remote and phono pre. Hopefully it's small form also but this along with the phono pre are not deal breakers.

I was thinking LTA MZ2. I like it's small form and that it will bring in a little tube softness.

Any thoughts hopefully someone with experience

lmartinez_02170

Showing 4 responses by lmartinez_02170

lmartinez_02170 OP
24 posts
 

Thank you russ69.

This is an interesting choice and I see your logic. I appreciate it.

Admittedly I'm not an expert but I think most agree that the LS50s can deliver good accuracy and top end with the right components. I think the parasound could work...

I was thinking because the Schiit Aegir gets reviewed well with the freya (tube like) and the LS50s get glowing reviews with the croft integrated (tube like) that a tube pre would create good balance with the aegir and ls50s?

Any other thoughts from folks with the Aegir and maybe Kef ls50s.

 

lmartinez_02170 OP
24 posts
 

Thank you Santabarbara. The Topping pre90 also looks interesting. Thanks for your writeup.

lmartinez_02170 OP
24 posts
 

Thanks varchard. Do you use the onboard DAC? If so, how does it sound?

I was looking for a small form because I don't want a lot of bulky equipment given my space. If I could replace my NAD326Bee (used as pre) and (NAD M51) dac, I might give it a look.

Thanks

Lee

lmartinez_02170 OP
24 posts
 

Thanks varchard this is good information about the DAC. Also ghdprentice I appreciate your guidance about pre-amps. It makes sense to me...if your a separates guy :). In the past many would say the speakers are the most important item to base your system on but I got what your saying.

My requirements remain the same and I do think it's challenging.

My current setup is Schiit Aegir, Kef LS50s with NAD preamp (class A) is very good in a small room (11x14).  Also while I'm flexible in my setup, I don't typically go for large components. The preamp I'm looking for is most likely class a, small form with a phono pre. My budget which I didn't state before is about 2k at most. The most intriguing preamp, I've been able to find so far is the LTA MZ2. 

The topping pre90 is just wrong for me, so many balanced inputs...really not necessary in my opinion.

The parasound doesn't measure well

The benchmark is over my budget.

The MAC C2500 is a possibility as a used buy because I do use a dac (so, it's 3 components). Although I would be moving away from small separates.

The LTA MZ2 just about fits the bill - small form factor, class a, remote but no phono pre and affordable 1300.00 in its base form. It's also gotten pretty good reviews. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on it.

Any other thoughts? And thanks to everyone who has commented.

 

 

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