2. amps-preamps
  3. 1024301386

Preamp recommendation pre amp

I am looking to buy a preamp and would need some suggestion.

Currently my system is:

B&W Nautilus 802
Mcintosh 352 (Solid State)
CD/Pre Mark Levinson 39
Speaker cables MIT Oracle V3 (RCA)
IC MIT V3.1 balanced
No special power cords, I am not sure how the power line is but can say the wiring is rather old.

Positives: sound stage, details, layering, liquid mids and good bass.

Negatives: Highs are a bit grainy/edgy and a tad lean, mids sometimes tends to be a bit lean too.

I was thinking of trying the following Preamps:
ML 380s
CJ 16LS MKII

Would appreciate comments on these preamps and also other preamps that you all think would be a good match for my system.

How useful will be a good power cord/conditioner in my setup?

Thanks
sahotas
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I have had some experience with ML 38, 38S and 380S. They are all wonderful preamps. Highly recommended. The 38 series seems to do well with the stock power cord.

As for your cables, leanness usually indicates a problem with the speaker cables. If you are getting the high-frequencies with good focus, but it sounds a bit dry, this is usually the speaker cables. Good speaker cables may give you the lifelike "sparkle" and eliminate the granularity.

If the focus is not razor-sharp, then it is the interconnects. The IC's also give you bass tightness.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Again, this is the cables forum...
goose
673 posts
 
Hello,

What about the new McIntosh 2200 tube pre amp? I thought it sounded very nice and would probably solve your current problems and would work very well with your current McIntosh amp. I also like the Conrad Johnson gear but the Mac choice may have better synergy....just a thought.
poorguy
90 posts
 
I think the placement of your B&W N802 contributes a lot to the sound you hear now. Try to hear N802 in less than a meter, you'll see N802s sound very different from leanness.
nguyenchiro
92 posts
 
Get yourshelf a Conrad Johnson Premier 17LS which will match with McIntosh power amp but I suggest you to step up to the McIntosh MC602 SS or MC2102 vacuum tube. I have ownwed 17LS and MC2102 for a year and I still love their sound. The more you listen to the more you like. They are simple incredible and awesome match but you should connect them with a pure silver ICs like Kimber Kable Select 1030.
More to discover