Well the question here really is which pre-amp is best for your needs. As has been said many times before, if you're going to use a ss amp, then add some balance with a tube pre-amp (eg: Hovland HP100) or if you're running tube amps, add a ss pre-amp, however based on your need for more low frequency oomph, at your budget level take a look at Nelson Pass's statement pre-amp X0.2. That is a serious 3-chassis reference pre-amp. There is one for sale right now on AG for $4200 that can't be more than 18 months old. That is a $10k retail pre to be had at a bargain.
Under $10k budget Preamp suggestion, please.
I'm upgrading my system and considering next preamp right now in this budget. If possible, I'd like to find ones having retail price around $5-8k. Here's my setup
Transport: Hiend music server using Digital balanced + Superclock as master
D/A: Esoteric D-05 slave to transport
Pre: Considering here.....
Power: Spectral DMA 180 (May change later)
Speaker: Rockport Ankaa
I'm considering Karan KA L at the moment since I couldn't think of better alternatives right now. I feel my system needs a bit more lower frequency for suitable tonal balance because D-05 has inferior bass comparing to Alpha DAC which almost fits in my system.
Transport: Hiend music server using Digital balanced + Superclock as master
D/A: Esoteric D-05 slave to transport
Pre: Considering here.....
Power: Spectral DMA 180 (May change later)
Speaker: Rockport Ankaa
I'm considering Karan KA L at the moment since I couldn't think of better alternatives right now. I feel my system needs a bit more lower frequency for suitable tonal balance because D-05 has inferior bass comparing to Alpha DAC which almost fits in my system.