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Preamp Input for Coincident system - Don Sachs, deHavilland, LTA, Joule Electra?

Hi all, I'm looking to spend around 2k on a pre-amp (either new or used) to pair with my Coincident PREs (currently using their Frankenstein mono-blocks as amps; input impedance of 100kOhms). 

I'm looking for something very natural sounding, with good body, some warmth, and -importantly- it must have a remote.  The PREs are very sensitive up on top, so I need clean highs. 

I've been reading a lot of threads and have a few contenders.  Am hoping to solicit some input from anyone who might have compared the following (with PROs / CONs listed):

1.  Don Sachs SP14 - good reviews, available in budget new / long wait to get a unit
2.  LTA MZ2 - some awesome reviews, available with 10-day trial period / some "meh" revies, perhaps a bit of a "clean" sound?
3.  deHavilland  UltraVerve 3 - good reviews mentioning the "relaxing" nature - a good key word for me / new it is out of budget at 3k
4. Joule Electra LA-150 MKII - in budget used, reviews mention strengths in "tone" & "texture" - highly desirable for me / a fairly old product  

Other things to note... 

I'm currently running a PS Audio PW DAC directly to my amps and listen to all types of music; perhaps currently tilted towards "modern" music with electronica and indie influences.  I stream Tidal via ethernet via PS Audio's Bridge II card in the dac.  

While I'm sure others will criticize the DAC, I really like the PWD and it has compared favorably to both a DirectStream (the music became less natural and more analytical) and Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 (the music was very smooth, but slightly less natural with a less well delineated soundstage). 

Unfortunately, the PWD has a bad volume control (throwing away bits at under 50% volume) and the new PREs really show that distortion off.  As such, I don't like listening at low volumes... hence the desire to add a pre-amp. 

Also, obviously I'd love to get Coincident's 101D pre-amp, but I need the remote, so it doesn't work for me.  I tracked the remote version for a long time and was hoping to save up money to purchase, but apparently it was plagued by technical difficulties and often needed service (presumably that's the reason Isreal discontinued it). 

Appreciate any input.

- Chris
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Showing 6 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Chris, 
A further comment.  You re-wired your Coincident Pure Reference Extreme speakers with silver. When I visited Israel Blume (Coincident owner/founder) to audition the just introduced (2009) Statement Line Stage he mentioned he didn't care for silver wire. Now I have enormous respect for Israel but on this topic we respectfully disagreed.  I have no doubt that your Coincident PRE sound fantastic with the silver re-wiring.
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your kind comments. I find your listening observations in regard to good quality solid core silver wire on the mark. For many years in multiple threads I’ve read where some describe silver as edgy or bright. I have to say this hasn’t been my experience by a long shot. I have found silver to actually sound naturally warm and displaying full body tone /harmonic overtones while simultaneously sounding open and transparent. Overall quite organic and realistic.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the updated post today as I find your comments very interesting (As usual). The Truth line stage has received universal praise over the years and an outstanding review from Arthur Salvatore (For whom I have much respect for). A friend of mine had the Truth for well over a year in his system. He enjoyed it quite a bit but has replaced it with a Backert tube line stage which he finds better sounding.

You have very similar results with your move to the Don Sachs tube line stage which of course is active. Both of these experiences are interesting. In theory the the simpler Truth unit or a direct DAC to amplifier should be superior by removing the more ’complex’ active component from the signal chain.

There’s no substitute for actually listening and comparing. Real life encounters don’t always correlate with theoretical expectations or predictions. No doubt there are circumstances where some listeners prefer a direct source approach or using a passive component. Numerous variables are involved.  I can understand and appreciate the modifications you’ve done that further improved the sound quality. I’ve had very good results using Duelund capacitors for example.

Chris I’m quite interested in the future comparison between your current upgraded/modified Don Sachs (6SN7 based) and the DHT line stage. Should be very informative (And a lot of fun).
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Chris,
You have had highly regarded components in your system recently (Atma-sphere amps and Lyngdorf) which have served the purpose of expanding your data sample base and point of reference . Adding the Truth Line Stage to the PRE/Franks signal chain will IMO cement your system in an uppermost tier in terms of purity  and natural sound quality. I believe that the level of sonic/musical realism will be exceptionally convincing in your system post appropriate burn-in and fine tuning  I believe the diminished level of electronic sonic artifacts will be 'very' apparent with your chosen components. 
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Chris,
I see your posted just prior to mine above 😊. I believe that you made a very wise choice and agree with your chosen upgrades. I look forward to your listening impressions when mated to the sublime Frankenstein. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Hi Chris,
Your short list of preamplifier candidates is a good one particularly the DeHavilland. The Atmasphere MP-3 is also very good. I must say though that the Horneshoppe Truth may be the way to go. I am an extremely happy owner of the Coincident Statement Line Stage (CLS) x 9 years.

According to all that I’ve read including Arthur Salvatore the Truth is as superb if not better! That’s high praise given the excellence of the CLS. I just love my CLS and Frankenstein pairing and won’t change it.

If I were however in your situation I’d give the Truth Line Stage major consideration. Savatore said it’s a fantastic match with the Frankenstein. He believes that the Truth can’t be beaten by other Line Stages..
Charles
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