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Preamp Recommendation

Hi 
I have just purchased Classe CTM-600 Mono blocks. They are currently running with an old ML 38s. I have tried using a VTL 6.5 III but had a hum problem. Tried everything but could not get rid of the hum. The 6.5 was not new so the pre it self could have had problems. 
I have an option to buy an Ayre KX-R at a great price. Question is will the Ayre a significant upgrade on the ML? Speakers are B&W 800 D. Sources include Clear Audio TT and a PS Audio Directstream Junior. 
Thanks
srafi
pops
2,272 posts
 
Congrats on your Classe's.  Have always liked their amps.  It is too bad you couldn't solve the hum issue with the VTL's, that sounds like a great sonic match.

I cannot answer your question but would recommend you try tubes in the linestage and even phono stage.  The Classe has a high input impedance giving you lots of options.  I always ran tubes with my Classe amp and Thiels - your B&W's are similar in the top end and might really benefit from tubes.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,640 posts
 
If the Classe has a balanced input, I would take advantage of it. BTW there are balanced line tube preamps.

Also, do be careful with that Classe. Some of the output devices have gotten hard to find.
gudebrodaudio's avatar
gudebrodaudio
19 posts
 
Srafi are you located near Chicago, Il?
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,916 posts
 
You did not mention price , SS or Tube  preamp.

Myself recently just got away from main stresm commercially made. I decided to try a Direct Heated Triode preamp 
Using premium everything ,4 pole power capacities Lundahl transformer based with multiple filter chokes. NEOTECH 0 crystal 
Wire. The sonic purity is outstanding. 
gudebrodaudio's avatar
gudebrodaudio
19 posts
 
This is exactly why I custom build. Using high-end parts for much better sonics.😎 nice to hear someone else has broken away from the norm!👍
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