Hi gbrow thanks, what other preamps have you listened to below $30k? Can you describe more in detail what you like about it’s sound?
A preamp recommendation
Hello everyone, I'm looking for a "neutral" preamp that does not emphasize and de-emphasize any frequency range but has just a tiny bit of warmth. Accurate harmonic information resulting in natural instrumental timbre, outstanding sound staging and imaging, solid extended bass without typical under controlled bass of typical tubes or over damped bass of transistors, crystalline smooth extended high frequency, excellent micro and macro dynamics, and clear transparent sound are all important to me. I don't like hyper detailed sound typical of some transistor preamps or overly smooth warm sound of some tube preamps. Currently, my favorite preamp is an autoformer passive preamp which gives many of the sound quality I like, but it lacks the drive and impact I get from active preamps. I have auditioned some top preamps from Audio Research, D'Agustino, Pass, among others, but was underwhelmed due to lack of transparency, inaccurate timbre, and/or significant deviation from overall neutrality. I don't care if the preamp is solid state or tube, long as my requirements are met. All of my amps have input impedance of 50KOhms or above. Which preamp would best fit my taste? Any preamp new or used $15k or under would be on my list. Thank you.
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- 48 posts total
@dracule1 I'd go with the Backert Labs Rhythm. I'm biased because I'm friendly with Bob & Andy at Backert. I've heard it in many top flight systems with a wide array of gear and it never disappoints. Never have I seen so many local audio club members gravitate over time to a brand as those in Philly have to the Backert preamps, after having heard them in multiple long listening sessions. "Word of ear", it's a thing. OTOH, if phono stage is important, the Atma MP-1 has a great one built in and provides the benefit of true balanced dual mono design if you can leverage those aspects of its design. Cheers, Spencer |
@dracule1 Ask Andy about that and don't be shy about voicing your concern. I know first hand that they listened to tons of parts alternatives are truly driven by sonic results and reliability in their choices. Andy is also a musician and meticulous and purposeful by nature. They are good eggs over there! Cheers, Spencer |
+1 for Backert Labs. Bought a Rhumba 1.2 some years back and couldn't believe how it changed my listening experience and enjoyment. A couple years later I demo'ed the 1.3 Extreme and it delivered improvements on every sonic attribute right out of the box. Really great piece in my system and room; of course YMMV. Definitely agree with @sbank, nice folks at Backert Labs. |
- 48 posts total