suggestions for pre amp for Quikie v4 monos


Looking for preamp for Quicksilver v4 monos going into Vandersteen 5A's. Thinking about Aesthetix Calypso. 50/50 vinyl(linn Sondek) and digital(tbd) Any thoughts would be appreciated
memac

Showing 5 responses by samhar

I had Calypso, V-4's, 3A Sigs and a pair of 2Wq's and before I say anything it would be good to know what your willing to spend.
The warm
1.Ear 868 this will keep the warmth of the V-4's with detail and it's current production. You will also be ready for an amp upgrade tube or SS if/when you want. If can't find used you can buy new. This is my #1 choice for both groups
2.C/J Premier 16 LS MK11 ( These go fast if your interested pull trigger fast!) Warm but not as extended or dynamic as newer C/J

The detailed / cooler
1. C/J CT-5 the "newer" C/J sound not as warm as the Premier 16 but has more extension, dynamics and inner detail.
2. Calypso the least amount of warmth in the bunch good for the price.

With the pre's in the "warm" group you can run the tubes in the V-4's at a higher bias effectively speeding up V-4's(it does "thin" the sound some)
I used Genelex Gold Lion KT-88 reissues, can bias 40-55 in the V-4's. If you bias low the sound is rich but slow I liked about 47-50.

The first three choices are pre's you can upgrade around, If you would like to discus further e-mail me.

Sam
Yes! Your TT taste and equipment may change so a separate phono section provides flexibility without having to sell preamp. Because you asked about the Calypso (LS) I assumed you had a phono stage. You can find used Ear 834P's for $800-1100 this is an excellent phono at the price and later to upgrade if you want move up to an Ear 88PB ( I'm looking at this model).