2. amps-preamps
  3. 148234-535

Solid State Preamp Under $8000

I generally buy a piece of equipment that has been out for about four years and keep it for about 5 to 6 years. In this manner I get the fun of buying a new (used) piece of equipment every year and not paying retail prices. 

I have had my Esoteric C-03 preamp for 5 years and am considering replacing it with a newer model.  I have liked this unit a lot.  It sounds great and is a joy to use.  Why replace it then?

Well if there is something out there used for $8000 or less used that will give even greater transparency than the C-03, I would be a buyer. In general, the voicing of my current set up seems spot on. 

 I would prefer a single box unit if at all possible because of limitations on rack space and interconnect length. I do not want to risk a lateral move at this level of investment.  

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Current System: 
Feickert Firebird/ Reed 3P/ Ortofon Anna
Audio Research Reference Phono 2 SE
Esoteric C-03
Krell Evolution 302e
TAD Evolution Ones
Esoteric X-03se




teeshot

Showing 3 responses by auxinput

auxinput
2,921 posts
 
Have you tried looking for a Krell Illusion or a Krell Phantom 1 preamp?  Since you're looking for a "transparent" preamp, those are likely very good candidates and I would say that the Krell preamps are in the same "voicing" as the Esoteric stuff.  The Pass Labs and the Luxman are also very excellent devices, but they do have that FET coloration and warmth added.  Maybe not quite as transparent as the Krell/Esoteric.
auxinput
2,921 posts
 
You could be right on the Pass preamp voicing.  Every single time I have seen or heard a Pass Labs preamp, it's been attached to a Pass Labs amp, so I have not been able to get a good handle on the actual voicing.
auxinput
2,921 posts
 
I have heard several Krell preamps, KAV-280P, HTS 7.1, S1200U, Illusion II, Phantom I.  They are all excellent, but I would avoid the lower cost models as their power supply is typically undersized (i.e. KAV-280P, Phantom III).  In my opinion, there is a "magic" from the sound of Krell preamps that are not available in any other devices, but I do understand that they are not for everyone.  Since you are coming from an ultra-clear ultra-high-resolution Esoteric preamp, I would concur with soix's recommendations on Krell preamps.  I have even heard the Phantom I mated with an Evo402e amp - sounds awsome!!
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The 202/222 preamps can be had for cheap (they are basically previous generation to the Phantom series).  Excellent buys, but they are getting just a little bit old - can be 10-11 years old.  The Krell Illusion that soix mentioned for $8400 would be an absolutely awsome device, but it is over your budget (unless you want to stretch).  I think that's about as good as you can get.  And I will mention that I heard all Krell preamps using standard XLR cables (I never heard what CAST can do or if it sounds different at all).
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