Which preamp........for sonic bliss????


I am presently redesigning a new system (as I plan to move into my new home I have decided to have fun with a new two channel system)

A little background.....my previous system was a great tube set-up (or great for me....maybe modest by others standards). Anyway it was Dunlavy SC-IIA Signatures (the 6' towers) with Cary CAD-50 MK II monoblocks, a Thor TA-1000 Mk II preamp and a host of other components (all of which will stay.....I'm just reworking speakers, preamp and amp).

Here'e the current system thus far.....Avalon Radian HC speakers and Krell FBP 200M monoblocks. I'm looking for a terrific preamp to drive everything. A few audiophile friends suggested I go with a solid state preamp to drive the Krells and Avalons appropriately.

Here's a couple of the contenders:
* Edge Signature 1
* Levinson 380
* Sim P-5
* Pass X-1

Would like to stay under $2,600 used ....by am open on price.

Has anyone heard the Edge (or comments on the other 'contenders')?

All other comments, thoughts and suggestions are welcome!

Many thanks,
Dave
naperaudio

Showing 1 response by zkidd

Hi Dave,

I received an e-mail from Ken, who told you about the ModWright 9.0SE. Let me say right from the start that I have had over 14 preamps, about 10 of those in the last few years, and I never found just the right one, somewhat like Goldilocks, until I got the ModWright. I had the great pleasure of driving down to Dan Wright's home and getting one from the man himself. He is an absolute prince, and a genius to boot! This preamp is a keeper, and will satisfy even the most hard to please audiophile. Check the reviews at 6moons and also EnjoyTheMusic in their Superior Audio section. When they say the ModWright can compete with the VTL 7.5 Reference, believe them. This preamp is a dream, and should cost much,much more.
Tubes are a pair of 5687 that cost little compared to the ubiquitous 6SN7, and one does not need a costly pair to get the absolute best from the preamp. Dan voiced it well with the stock tubes, and there is no need to tube roll. Try that with other tubed preamps. My Cary SLP98's sonic signature changed with any and every 6SN7 I fed it, and I could never get it to my liking. Not so with the ModWright..It has excellent build and parts but be sure to give its due as far as break-in time.
Take it from a man who drove his wife, family and himself to the edge (well, tongue in cheek) on the quest for the elusive preamp. I have stopped looking and have no regrets at all. I have heard nothing at it's price point, or at 4-5 times that, that will give you the satisfaction the ModWright does.

My thanks for your patience, and letting me babble to you.
Bob