Need a big favor picking a preamp


I recently tried out an Esoteric E-02 phonostage and have decided to buy one.  (It was a big step up from a Parasound JC3+, which surprised me.)  I'm working on my preamp stage now, and tried out a Dan D'Angostino Momentum HD preamp and the Exoteric Grandioso C1X

 

Dan's preamp was fantasic, but I makes me feel like I need to be wearing several gold chains when using it.  Perhaps also a toupee and some gold nugget rings.  "Gaudy" is the word when I look at it. 

 

I also tried out a Esoteric Grandioso C1X, which was fantastic, but a bit cold, and much of my system is already Esoteric Grandioso, and it's getting a bit fanboyish.   Unfortunately I did not have it when I tried out the E-02, but I assume the two would be excellent together.

I would say the D'Angostino preamp is "more musical", while the Esoteric more "more precise".

There's a third contender I have never heard on my system, but loved when I heard elsewhere on a similar system -- Nagra HD preamp -- it had the precision of the Esoteric and had just a tad bit of tube sound.  It's also startlingly expensive.

I tried out several others that just didn't fit my system: Pass Labs being one, which surprised me.

So, please advise:

D'Angostino Momentum?

Esoteric C1X

Nagra HD

 

The downstream are two Classe Delta Monoblocks, Bowers 800s, SVS PB16 ultras.  Upstream Digital: Esoteric K-03XD and Lumin U1  Upstream Analog: Esoteric E-02 and alternating between a VPI Titan and Esoteric Grandioso turntable.

Current preamp is a Prima Luna Evo 400, which I love the looks of, and punches WAY above its weight for the price, but it's time to go.

 

 

davetheoilguy
thecarpathian

 

@nightfall ,

"He won't be responding as he yet again got banned.

If you want to know about SPL preamps, @jaymarkj has the Elector. I'm sure if you messaged him he would be happy to give you his impressions.

Oops, sorry!

It's not jaymarkj, it's just jaymark."

 

Thanks for making me aware. I was particularly interested as the banned poster's thoughts on the SPL as he had experience listening to those two high end preamps. I will follow up with your recommended forum member on his thoughts. Thanks again. 

I haven't heard the D'Angostino Momentum HD preamp and the Exoteric Grandioso C1X.

I have heard the Nagra HD, which sounds fantastic. In a comparison it was significantly superior to a Nagra Classic preamp and an Audio Research Reference.

Not sure if that is any help, but still a data point.

Wyred4Sound STP-SE stage 2 is a giant killer.

But, if you want to spend the big bucks - Boulder would be my choice.

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