2. amps-preamps
  3. 1341531383

Stereo preamp upgrade

Hello! I was hoping to get some advice from the last true audiophiles. Some time ago I purchased my first separates system after my college roommate got me into home audio. The system consists of a Rotel RC-1070 preamp, Rotel RB-1080 amp, Paradigm Studio Monitor 100 v2's, with Tara Labs and AQ power cords and IC's. Something isn't "right" with my system. I'm pretty sure it's my preamp.

I've had a great opportunity to hear a LOT of equipment, since my aforementioned roommate was a repair tech at a local hi-fi shop. He would bring really nice gear home constantly and we would audition his repair work, not to mention the equipment at the store. He had the same speakers as I have now so I know how they can sound.

The Rotel preamp is decent but the bass is not 'warm & soothing,' but has more of a raw feel. It seems to be tight and controlled, likely due to the amp, but it just doesn't seem to have that 'earthy' feel if that makes sense. The soundstage could be improved. It seems wide enough, given my crappy apartment acoustics, but the depth just isn't there. There is no 3rd dimension. Tonality is great. It's not dark or overly bright.

So, I'm looking for a recommendation for a new preamp. I only want a stereo preamp. I would love to have one with a optical input, but I suppose I could get a DAC instead (that's a whole 'nother subject), as I've begun to use a computer to play .flac's. I'm looking to spend around $500 and don't mind if it's used. I've considered the Adcom GFP-750 as I know it's a solid unit, but I don't have much experience in preamps.

What would you do in my position? Music comes first.
chips_n_hotsauce

Showing 2 responses by chips_n_hotsauce

chips_n_hotsauce OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for your honest advice. Speaking of a tube pre, I happen to have a Little Dot MKIV that I bought on a whim to tinker with that needs new tubes. It sounded fabulous at the time, but one of the driver tubes was shot so it didn't sound its best. I think I'll go tube hunting and see what I can come up with and give it a go. It's always fun to experiment and see what becomes of it.

The Rotel pre isn't a bad unit at all, but if it's going to cost over a grand to get into the next 'class,' I'll just save more money and explore my options.

Speaking of bass, I have an Electron Kinetics Eagle 2 that when it worked, had really nice control over the 100's. I can't recall hearing anything like it for the price. Maybe I'll send it off to get fixed.
chips_n_hotsauce OP
3 posts
 
Thanks again for the rec's. This unit can use EF91, 92, & 95. I received some driver tubes today, a matched pair of Voshkod 6ZH1P-EV. I still want to get my hands on the Mullard M8100's, as I have a good idea of what they will sound like (nice!). I'm burning the Voshkod's in atm, and so far they sound pretty good. A little bright up top, but after burn-in they should calm down a bit. I'll experiment with the LDMKIV for a bit before I make a decision. If it works out, I may use it for music and the Rotel for movies. I have some power tubes coming as well.

I did want to run the idea of a DAC past you guys while I check up on your recommendations. What's your opinion on the Schiit Bifrost?
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