2. amps-preamps
  3. 1043331583

Audio Note-Ref II-CAT Ultimate-or Joule Electra

I know, this thread is very similar to one a little further down, but I didn't want to hijack that one. Right now (or the last time I looked--maybe sold already) all of these preamps are up here on Audiogon, except the ARC Ref II which is available to me locally. ALl are roughly the same price (Joule 150 is cheaper). A good preamp is the last necessity for my system. Anyone have any advice? Comments? I live in the middle of nowhere so (other than the REF II) I can't easily get anywhere to audition.
My system: Merlin Milleniums w/ battery BAM, Berning 270's--two, bridged for monoblock operation, Electrocompaniet EMC 24/192 (without the latest upgrade), Quattro fil interconnects, StageIII concepts speaker cable, no power treatment but do have dedicated line, Stillpoints isolation under all components.
Listening preferences--guitar music, which could range from solo classical to, yes, heavy metal to blues.
I know that Joule amplification is usually matched with Merlins, but what about preamps?
oneprof
fiddler
581 posts
 
Khaki, the hum problem is probably related to your AC power. I had a transformer hum problem with my Supratek and I chased every solution I could come up with. I finally read about the AH! AC OffSet Killer and as soon as I plugged it in, dead silence.

Many others are finding out that this simple device is solving a lot of here-to-fore, unsolvable hum problems.

And BTW, the dynamics were considerably improved upon plugging my Supratek in to the AH!
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Hi Gang.Interesting response by fiddler about ac power.What is AH? Cheers.
hee
22 posts
 
I agree with Rickjames that the MiniMax is very good.
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