Looking for some recommendations about preamp options


It would be pairing with a Decware Torii amp. I want to buy something used that will be fairly easy to re-sell if I don't like it. Right now I am thinking about an Audio Research LS 27 or perhaps the Cary preamp SLP-05. I have heard the LS 27 equals or outperforms the Ref 5. I do see a Ref 3 offered here that is just a little out of my reach but could probably make it work. There is a LS 27 on AG right now but it is shipping from Spain and is wired for 220v. Not to big of a deal but a little more of a hassle than I really want if I am going to drop that kind of money. I am open to all recommendations. Perhaps even a TVC or a passive. My amp should have plenty of gain and I would not need long cables so impedance shouldn't be an issue.  Steve over at Decware has designed a new Pre but it comes standard with only balanced ins and outs and to get it the way I want will be expensive and I am sure there is a couple of month wait for one. Thanks for your time. I love this forum, amazing amounts information.

Andrew
128x128bryantdrew
I like my ARC LS25 Mk II - you can buy one used & use it while looking for a used 27, then sell either for a small loss  or a gain.
bryantdrew

Your Deccaware Tori has
  • INPUT IMPEDANCE: 100 K OHMS
  • INPUT SENSITIVITY: FULL POWER @ 2.0 VOLTS
Not very high gain.
If you use a passive/tvc type pre, then your source should be able to have over 2v output and have less than 1kohm output impedance.
Suggest a passive pre that has the option of active tube or solid state switchability with some gain. The Schiit Freya is right up your alley. This way you can have three different ways of driving the Tori.
http://www.schiit.com/products/freya
 

Cheers George