Looking for a new preamp


Good afternoon,

It has been awhile since I've posted anything here, but I do have a preamp question.  I currently have an Aragon 28k mk2 pre along with an Aragon 8008 mk2 amp.  Both my source and amp are balanced but the 28k is not.  I think the Aragon pre is a nice, but I think I can do better.  I tried an ARC LS17SE pre a few years back, and although this is a nice piece, it didn't seem to work well with the 8008. I believe the impedance was a mismatch.  This was confirmed by ARC as well.  I would like to try this again at 2 different price points.  One being the new Schitt Freya S at $599 and the BAT 23SE which is on sale at Music Direct for $3k, originally $5k.  My speakers are Dynaudio Excite 44 for now.  

Thank you.           
adiorio

Showing 3 responses by adiorio

Thank you for the feedback so far. The BAT 23se pre that I’m looking at is solid state. 
I would think the Adcom GFP 750 would be a step up from the Aragon 28k?  So the Freya S bested that based on what you said. 

In terms of going direct George. I have a Cary CDP 1 CD player that can drive an amp directly. I tried that awhile back and although dynamic, I felt it lost some body. Perhaps it was cables/power cord. 
Thank you all again for the feedback.  I believe the Cary's output voltage is 6v when running balanced.  I noticed the gain on the BAT 23se is 20.  Would that be a bit much?  I believe the Aragon 8008 mk2 is a lower gain designed amp.