Charles, you may be right. It also depends on the subjective definition of what is good enough. And I agree that $3.5k and $2k is a big difference for many people, me included. But I would wait a little longer and get a much better piece, and that's exactly what I have been doing.
Tube Preamp for around 2K?
I currently have a Juicy Music Peach II preamp that is being serviced and may replace the unit. I have looked around the 2K mark and have found the Rogue Perseus Magnum, the Cary SLP 98L and the Rogue 99 Super Magnum. I have also seen a few ARC LS 17SE for around $2500. I like the JMA peach (6h30) but would be open to trying a different tube sound. Looks like the Rogue 99 and the Cary have the same 6sn7 tube vs the Perseus 12au7. The ARC would be another (6h30) approach. I originally bought the Peach to match my Klipsch RF-7s but I now have Martin Logan Ethos and use a 200 watt SS B&K amp. The Perseus has all the features i want (2 outputs, HT bypass, remote) and is the best from a price perspective. I have read the Cary and the 99 will have a fatter tone but at the expense of frequency extremes. The ML's don't have a harsh top end like the Klipsch so i am not sure I want to mute the top end at all.
Would the Perseus be the best option of this bunch for a dynamic open sound with the most 3D soundstage? My gut tells me the Cary SLP is the better product but i don't have any objective reason. The ARC is probably the most accurate but i fear it will be boring and not really sound like a tube preamp. Thoughts?
Would the Perseus be the best option of this bunch for a dynamic open sound with the most 3D soundstage? My gut tells me the Cary SLP is the better product but i don't have any objective reason. The ARC is probably the most accurate but i fear it will be boring and not really sound like a tube preamp. Thoughts?
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- 25 posts total
- 25 posts total