2. amps-preamps
  3. 983584190

tube preamp with satisfying low end?

Hi:

Just spend the afternoon auditioning a couple of pre-amps. The VTL TL2.5 and the Adcom GFP-750 on Magnepan 1.6 speakers and a Bryston SB-3T Amp. Overall impression was that I love the VTL warmth and bloom on the mid range and high end. However, felt that it was definately lacking in the lower midrange and bass. Adcom had much better overall dynamic range and clarity, however it had that digital edge to it that can be a bit fatiquing. Am looking for a preamp that has the "glow" of the VTL in the mid and upper ranges but has better low end. Any suggestions? My budget is no more than $2000 - new or used.
sibelius
hmm
18 posts
 
another possibility is the audible illusions preamps. i am running an L-1 linestage with a DNA1 and am getting very full and tight bass. check them out
wellfed's avatar
wellfed
690 posts
 
The Atma-Sphere MP-3 in linestage form can be purchased for around $2,000 used. Outstanding performance all around.
ss01gtecom
18 posts
 
Hi Sibelius, please give Transcendent Sound's Grounded
Grid a try. $499 in kit form or $799 assembled. I am really
happy about it with my McIntosh MC-275 plus Quad 989!
rayhall
393 posts
 
I second Musicslug for his CAT nomination and Hmm for his Audible Illusions choice. Both of these go low, low, low and both are excellent preamps overall.
photon46
1,076 posts
 
Sibelius, I also own 1.6's and am using a Music Reference RM5III preamp which pleases me mightily with a very taut and well extended bass. I couldn't be happier with this pre and it only uses one 6922 in the line stage and two 6922's in the phono stage. It sells for 2k new and can be had used for less than a grand. It's design has been relatively unchanged for a decade and is noted for reliability.
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