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 2 responses by soix

soix
10,248 posts
 
@teeshot -- just a couple general thoughts. If you really like the 302e you’re obviously going to build on that significantly with the 202. What stuck in my craw was a review I read by Wes Philips way back when Krell first introduced CAST. He used the amp and pre in normal mode and liked what he heard, but when he went into Current Mode he went all GaGa. I never forgot that, which is why I brought it up here, and I have to believe that advantage could help the 202 to be competitive with some other very good pres. Seems like synergy on steroids in a way. Last, seems like a heckuva deal on the 202. That’s all I got. Best of luck in whatever you choose.

BTW, just noticed there's someone selling 15.5' CAST cable on EBay.  Might be a lot cheaper...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/223453997901?ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F7...
soix
10,248 posts
 
Was thinking you might benefit from being able to use Krell's current mode and cast system if you get a Krell preamp.  Since you're looking for a single box, here's an Evolution 222 available now...
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649506480-krell-evolution-222-stereo-preamplifier/  but there are some Evo 202s available too.  Then again, there's also this special situation on an $18k Krell Illusion preamp...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9df6c-krell-illusion-solid-state

Also, here's a nice Vitus pre that retailed for over $14k in your price range.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9d723-vitus-audio-rd-100-reference-series-dac-preamplifier-in-g...

Best of luck!
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