all i'm saying is that i can't name any 'quality' preamps that don't have good prat. its simply inherant in all 'classic' components. accuphase, levinson,arc,mac,bryston,vac,cj,cary, naim....and yes...lots and lots more. i think the ability of any real hi end amp and preamp to deliver prat as well as tonal accuracy, with a wide variety of source components isn't that tough, provided they are well matched with speakers. unless you are purchasing some esoteric product with no track record or history whatsoever, there has never been a larger plate to choose from (even in michigan) then now. the reason naim is so synonomous with prat has more to do with system synergy than any exclusive attribute. trust your ears indeed, just don't believe that most respected hi end companies have somehow overlooked rhythm.
Tube preamp with great pace?Cary, Supratek, etc.?
I am thinking seriously of moving to a tube preamp with the hope of breathing more life into my system. But I love the rhythmic core of music - call it PRAT, call it whatever - it is what grabs me, involves me, and keeps me up way, way too late listing to old LPs. I am afraid that without good, acurate pace, I don't care how "airy," "organic" or "blooming" the sound is, it just isn't musical to me. But if it can be combined with great pace, the tube sound is exactly what I am looking to add to my system.
So far, I've only been able to borrow a Rogue Magnum 88 to try in my system, and it was just too slow. I am considering a Cary SLP 98P, a Supratek Chenin, or perhaps a Herron VTSP1A/166. If anyone has heard these or any other tube preamp with good pace, please comment. Comparisons between them would be particularly welcome. My price range right now is 2K to 3K used, but if you know of something that is wonderful in this regard that costs more, I still want to hear about it.
There are few tube options available for me to audition in my area, and so generous Audiogoners, your input is greatly appreciated.
P.S. If you live in south-eastern Michigan and have a tube amp you are willing to let me hear, I offer in exchange lunch at the Ann Arbor restaurant of your choice.
So far, I've only been able to borrow a Rogue Magnum 88 to try in my system, and it was just too slow. I am considering a Cary SLP 98P, a Supratek Chenin, or perhaps a Herron VTSP1A/166. If anyone has heard these or any other tube preamp with good pace, please comment. Comparisons between them would be particularly welcome. My price range right now is 2K to 3K used, but if you know of something that is wonderful in this regard that costs more, I still want to hear about it.
There are few tube options available for me to audition in my area, and so generous Audiogoners, your input is greatly appreciated.
P.S. If you live in south-eastern Michigan and have a tube amp you are willing to let me hear, I offer in exchange lunch at the Ann Arbor restaurant of your choice.
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- 32 posts total
- 32 posts total