2. amps-preamps
  3. 126177-72001

What matching pre-amp to use?

I own a used McCormack DNA-125 amp, new Goldenear Triton II loudspeakers and Transparent MusicWave Speaker Cables. I mostly listen to R & B, Jazz Fusion, some Electronica and Bossa

Nova. Can anyone suggest a preamp that will mate with the above components? I am not an audiophile but do enjoy listening to music from other than mid-fi components. Someone suggested that the CJ

Classic 2 SE Linestage Preamp would be suitable since he said that the Goldenears would exhibit harshness and the CJ would even that out. Would I lose any of the bass (which is why I liked the

Goldenears) by using the CJ? My budget is $2K for a pre-amp. Also, any suggestions for a CD

Player and Interconnects?

coco-nino
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
RLD and other SMC preamp units are very transparent yet with no loss of dynamics. 
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
I don't think there is a RLD-2 and $1600 is too much.
As far as McCormack being fatiguing, I rather doubt it. Who suggested this? It sounds like they are really pushing the CJ- which I have no experience with, so I can't offer any info on what you are asking.
In my opinion, the amp would have more affect on the 'sound fatigue' than the preamp-which should be transferring signals to the amp without adding or subtracting musicality.
I suggest a call to Steve McCormack at SMc, I think he or his assistants will give you the best advice.  760-908-5263(Pacific Time)
coco-nino OP
2 posts
 

I have appreciated all the comments and information that everyone has provided!  I want to thank gdnrbob for suggesting that I call SMc. I just got off the phone with them and they made a suggestion about listening to music from an MP3, Ipad, or I-Phone and connect the amp and speakers w/o a pre-amp to see how the music sounds tonally.They took my phone number and will get back to me soon and suggested less expensive alternatives (as mentioned above), such as the RLD-1/TLC-1 Pre-amp to look out for on Agon, etc.  Thank you all for taking the time to steer me in the right (and less expensive) direction. 

czarivey
5,946 posts
 
 I was trying to recall the model name of the best SMC preamp I liked and it's TLC-1. 

gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
You are welcome Coco-nico, I knew Steve and his crew would take care of you.
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