Classe DR5/DR9 - get a better pre?

Good Question. I own a DR 5. Prior to that I used an Adcom 555 and 565. The 555 was pure mid fi and the 565 had an excellent phono stage and good line stage. I also have experience with the sound of other pre-amps, Mod 3A, SF line 1 sig, and various extreme high end stuff through a dealer friend of mine. I would rate the DR 5 as a good pre amp and a very good match for your amp. I believe the line stage has good pace, fine tonality and sets up a good sound stage. It has a smooth sound, not unlike tubes. If you have the ability to try out any pre-amp in your system, then do it. You have nothing to lose. However, in your price range you own a good pre-amp. I would recommend the Mod 3 A as an upgrade. It is tube based and has better resolution an accuracy. You can find one on the used market for around $1100-$1300. Stereophile raves about Adcoms new GFP 750. I haven't heard one yet, but if it is as good as they say, it is a steal. Having owned the 565, I know Adcom can make decent stuff. What is it you are looking to improve upon with your current system. That might make it easier to recommend other items of interest. Good luck!

A couple of thoughts: First, you might consider simply upgrading your preamp to a used Classe 6; the cost differential between the value of your Classe 5 and a used 6 isn't very much, and the Classe 6 is less dark sounding and more refined then the 5. Also, I believe that there's synergy in using the same brand of electronics (amp & preamp) which overshadows some of the other preamps in the Classe 6 price range (approx $1000 usd). Second, you might consider a Rowland preamp, which has a very relaxed, open sound. The Coherence 1 (mk I or II) is more refined than the Classe 5 or 6, and are occasionally listed on the 'net for a little more than the Classe 6. The Consonance is also a bargain. And finally, consider purchasing a second DR-9, running each in mono. There is a significant improvement in soundstage, "slam", and overall authority in using two DR-9s -- factors which many associate to some extent with the preamp. Regards.

Have extensive experience with Classe' DR-series amps, particularly 8, 9 and the DR-10, Dave Reich's final design for Classe' before leaving the company in early 90s. The DR-10, by the way, was the best of the DR line, in my estimation; all that Reich had learned from his earlier designs culminated in the 10, which came out in late '91 and was sold as the Ten (on frontplate in script) with manual stating DR-10. This was my final Classe' amp (the later ones just don't quite have it, in my opinion) before buying a new c-j MF-2500 (more power). I still have it, by the way. I always paired the Classe's with a tube preamp, from ARs in their various forms, to c-js (the final combo was the Ten and a c-j Premier 14 linestage. Very musical and an excellent balance between ss grunt and tube liquidity, particularly with digital sound. A used Ten is around $1000-1200, the 14LS is around $2200-2300. There are many other combinations that would undoubtedly prove excellent. This one is a no-brainer. Good luck!