2. amps-preamps
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Suggestions for a holographic preamp?

I'm looking to replacing my Herron Audio tube line stage with something else, not because of a problem with the sound, but for a few other reasons.

I do both digital and analog, and have a Herron Audio tube phono preamp. My power amp is an MSB S-200, which is awesome, and my speakers are Marten Parker Duos, which are wonderful for a deep, holographic soundstage that I like so much.

I listen mostly to rock and reggae, and I'm looking to keep the price under $10K US, and I'm fine with a used one as well.

I get the feeling that I will need a tube preamp to get that holographic sound, but perhaps there are some SS ones that do as good a job?

The fellow I work with at The Music Room suggested a ModWright LS-100 or a used PS Audio BHK preamp; I've researched and they both look like they'd fit the bill, but I'd like to hear your suggestions, too! 

larsman
soix
10,371 posts
 

I’d look at the Spatial Audio Raven, Aric Audio Motherload, Backert Rhumba Extreme, and Atmasphere MP-3.  I know Spatial and Backert offer a trial period, which is nice.  Best of luck. 

larsman's avatar
larsman OP
2,470 posts
 

Thanks for the responses, and thanks in advance to anybody who wants to chip in. 

@ghdprentice - to me, 'holographic' just means a 3D soundstage where there is perceivable depth to the sound as well as width and height. My current Herron preamp does a great job with that. 

waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
961 posts
 

I would think one of the VAC Renaissance preamps might just do the trick. Get one with an onboard phono stage and you just might prefer it to your Herron.

Post removed 
soix
10,371 posts
 

@kofibaffour  It’s not that a good preamp is adding a 3D, holographic soundstage, ideally it just allows it to come through better if it’s on the recording.  Some preamps just do this better than others, and it’s the same with amps, speakers, etc.  For example, cheap solid state preamps don’t tend to be able to communicate a holographic soundstage as more accomplished preamps can  And yes, a good preamp will sound less holographic with a flat recording if that’s how it was recorded and if it’s truly transparent.  But I agree if a pre is artificially boosting this somehow it’s not a good thing, at least for me.  I just want to hear what’s really on the recording for better or worse although I know there are those who want a system that makes everything sound good.  To each their own. 

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