Searching for preamp upgrade


Hello all. I am hoping to get some good advice on a preamp upgrade, as, despite having all tube amplification, the sound is unbearably aggressive at realistic volumes. I have Soundline audio speakers (ribbon)--ultra-fast highs, bass a little boomy, Audio Research Classic 60--still love this amp, but it is a little stage forward for my taste, AR LS-7 (I think this is a big part of the problem), and an OPPO BDP-95. I am hoping with a switch to Hovland hp-200 or something similar and getting the classic-60 modified, I can do better. I also have a McCormack DNA1 deluxe I could use for the bass only. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ed
edraffel

Showing 1 response by wilsynet

The AR is indeed a bit clinical. A BAT might do the trick here, as would the Coincident Statement Linestage that I have.

Having said that, I tend to agree that the speakers may actually be contributing more to the problem. Ribbon tweeters can be very aggressive.

Finally, and perhaps more importantly, is the room acoustically treated? Wondering if side wall reflections are making things much worse than they should be.