2. amps-preamps
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Preamp Opinion

A couple of weeks ago, I asked for advice on my amp and preamp. Although I am sure that it could be improved, I have come to the conclusion that the Parasound A23 is the least of my problems. I also have a Parasound New Classic 2100 preamp, a Marantz 8600 CD player/streamer (which I also think doesn't need to be replaced), and Focal Aria 926 speakers. I did listen to advice I was given and am expecting a vintage McIntosh SL-1 sub to my system.

I am looking at a few used preamps and wanted to get your opinions on them since the only one I have heard is the Adcom GFP-750 and that was years ago. My memory is that it had a very good sound to it. The other preamps I am considering are the Rotel RC-1572, Rogue RP-1, Coplant CTA 301 MKII, Bryston BP6, and Vincent SA-T7. Unfortunately, I have not heard any of them and don't have a location where I can. I tend to prefer a sound that is not too bright but provides a good clear soundstage and imaging. I have always owned solid state before and am a little leery of tube maintenance.

Thank you for your advice or observations about any of these preamps.
bcool57
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
The one at which I am looking was manufactured in 2017. I am sure that either the Rogue RP-1 or the Bryston BP-1 will give me an improved sound over my current Parasound, just hard to know which one to grab. I wish it was like the old days when I could audition each of them with my equipment. 
Thanks for your help!
robshaw
226 posts
 
Its not cheap and not expensive. It's new though, 5 year warranty, 30 day trial period, SS design from Benchmark Audio in NY  All Balanced Benchmark LA-4 line preamp. Stats are incredible and so will your sound be. Take a look, you wont be disappointed.. Robert TN  they also have a pre amp that has a GREAT headphone amp inside, don't remember the model though and it's more money though.
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
Are any of you familiar with Vincent preamps? How do they compare to Rogue?
ghdprentice
6,415 posts
 
@bcool57


”Trust me! If I built it, you would not want to listen to it😂”


That would be me also. I am a big picture kind of guy. I don’t touch turntables or take things apart, they would never sound good again.

But tube preamps… incredibly reliable. I have a big box of backup tubes I never needed for tubed components. Actually all my stuff is now tubed… and never sounded so good. A tubed preamp is a great way to start. Tubed DACs and phono stages also.
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,774 posts
 
"But Nick at Rogue recommends the RP-1 over the 99. He said the tubes are improved. "

Heh, definitely a difference in opinion. I love Rogue Audio, and have owned several of their components (including 5 preamps: a 99 Magnum, Hera, Hera II, Athena, RP-9), but I've never been a fan of the 12AU7 tube (as used in the RP-1/5/7). Most tube aficionados will tell you the same - and that the 6SN7 tube (as used in the 99) is far superior for similar roles. One knock against the 99 Magnum is that (due to the configuration of its 4x 6SN7) it has a ton of ton of gain (23dB), and the lead pair of 6SN7 slots (the 2 on the right-hand side) are VERY sensitive to noise & microphony. But personally I'd still take those concerns over a 12AU7 / MOSFET hybrid preamp, especially at their entry level unit. 

I always replaced the 12AU7 in their power amps with 12BH7 (beware the extra heater current draw before you do this), and got a significant improvement in sound.
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