You can't go wrong with a Pass Preamp but why not an ARC? The LS 28 is an excellent unit and right in your price range unless you want to shoot for a used Ref 6. You have their Phono amp after all. I love your tonearm. Brilliant design. How do you Like it? The Anna is almost Koetsu stiff. If you have not already you should check you resonance frequency with a test record. Adding some weight getting both lateral and vertical frequencies just below 10 Hz will really add some kick to your bass.
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
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