New Audio Note M8 with phono. This incorporates a completely new power and preamp section. It is an amazing upgrade over the old M8. List is $31,500 |
I have recently had a Hovland HP100 and Lamm LL2 in my system. I felt the LL2 bettered the HP100 but I recently upgraded to the Lamm L2 and it seems to be better than the HP100 or LL2 in every way. I really think system matching is the key but I have never heard a preamp that presents this much detail in such a continuous natural manner than I hear with the Lamm L2. |
To all you deHavilland preamp owners. I have been interested in their preamps and was wondering how they compared to other preamps you've owned. They seem to place an emphasis on "big tube" sound in their preamps, evidenced by the tubes they employ. A characteristic I love. |
Silly, Dont you know that the best preamp is.................no preamp. On a serious note, How many preamps have been made? Do you think people responding to this thread have tried every one or do they vote for the 3 or 4 that they've actually owned and listened to in they're own system. Does that seem like a thorough evaluation. It seems a little ridiculous doesn't it. I guess you guys are bored, I'll stick with my Line-3. Have fun with your thread. |
From all l have heard, the Supratek Cabernet |
using woo audio preamp $1k awsome deal for the price |
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I suppose I can list some of the contenders, but of course, the "best" is dependent on system, taste and need (e.g., remote controlled?). Sonically, the best I've heard in systems that I am familiar with are:
Audionote (u.k.) M-10 and M-8
Emotive Audio Epifania
I heard the Connoisseur in a system that I was not familiar with and it sounded very good. I heard the top of the line Boulder linestage and phono preamp in a system whose other components I know well, but the system did not sound right, but it's impossible to attribute the source of the problem. The Boulders certainly look good, are well built and the convenience and flexibility are absolutely top notch.
I own a Mark Levinson Ref. No. 32 preamp/linestage. It, like the Boulder and BAT linestages, has an extremely versatile and easy to use remote control that allow for an amazing array of setup options. Sonically, it is a bit on the soft and polite side. It is not in the league of the M-10 or Epifania, but it is remotely controlled and probably takes up less than a tenth of the real estate the M-10 would take up (not to mention costing about $100,000 less).
I have a Placette Active linestage that is not quite as flexible and versatile as the Levinson, but is sonically quite good (more vivid and exciting), particularly given its relatively reasonable price ($4,000). |
deHavilland Mercury may be a giant slayer! |
Supratek Cabernet, the best I've heard according to my preferences. But I haven't heard everything out there. |
There is no such thing...but since you asked...
Herron VTSP-1 (w/lastest upgrades) It just sounds like music...live music.
This is the preamp I own, of course. But I auditioned Joule Electra LA100 mkIII, First Sound Presence Deluxe MkII, Hovland HP100, Blue Circle Galatea, CAT Ultimate and various ARCs and C-Js.
I remember being impressed by the CTC Blowtorch and Aethetix Callisto in demos, but these machines are 10k and 5k more than my beloved Herron. |
Joule Electra LAP 150 and Bent Audio NOH - I own and use both. The Joule replaced a Hovland HP 100 P, which in turn replaced a VTL 7.5. The Joule is by far the best tube pre-amp I have heard or used - it is very dynamic (using the very latest in Russian super tubes, and separate power supplies that would power Cleveland for many separate stages) and gives the most "you are there" reality and "jump" in the midrange I have heard. The tube phono section is wonderful. As a back-up (with high-powered tubes you always want a back-up) I use the Bent Audio NOH - a passive pre-amp, but using exotic transformers to step up the current to avoid the "anemic" sound that can result from passive pre-amps. It also uses the latest in relay switching and remote controls - very handy. Anyway the Bent NOH is very, very clean and pure, but still punchy, particularly on CD, every bit as much as the Joule LAP. |
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Hovland HP 200 (replaced my JP-80-MC). |
First Sound Paramount statement= 4 chasis 128lbs and over 500,000 microfarads worth of juice.Eat your heart out!! |
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Try the Tron Syren (see 6 moons website for new review). I have the Tron Meteor (the Syren's predecessor) and this is stunning. I've known Graham Tricker, the designer and maker, for 15 years. His tube amplifiers have alwyas been designed as bespoke ultimate instruments. Like Frank Schroeder, Graham makes every piece himself. Unbelievably, he will also sell his amps with a money back deal if you don't like them! |
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Tube Research Labs GTP-4 or their new multi-channel
www.tuberesearchlabs.com
Of course I'm biased, I own the GTP-4 ... |
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c-j Premier 16LS MK II or 17LS Series 2 |
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Kondo KSL M1000 and KSL M77 for the second place. |
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