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 mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 
What you want will have to be a future purchase, I'm afraid. The kind of sound you seem to want will come from some decent tube power amps. A lot of people start with a tubed pre. I found in my journey that it really wasn't the keys to the kingdom. If you want to go that tubed pre route, however, I heartily recommend a tubed pre by the AES division of Cary. The model is the AE-3, which sells used for less than $500 in certain iterations and rarely for more.
Unfortunately Upscale Audio is the last dealer Cary makes these pre amps for new. They put nice paint on it and filled it with options. This overstuffed version with stock tubes is $1200. That is not a lot for a good preamp but you will want to roll the tubes etc. It's really too bad that there is no base model to buy. Oh well!
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Which tube does the Little Dot need? I may be able to give you some advice with my experience with the tube.
I think you can buy the AE-3 for under $500, maybe not the latest or fanciest models. Many AE-3s had remote control, so that isn't always a problem. Tube rolling is most important with it's amplification tubes which are 6SN7s. Fortunately these are abundant as NOS/OS and there are many bargains to be had outside the most sought after versions. Some models are tube rectified but they too are not overly expensive or rare, and plenty of people are satisfied with current production.
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