2. amps-preamps
  3. 170485-166667

Preamp Opinion

A couple of weeks ago, I asked for advice on my amp and preamp. Although I am sure that it could be improved, I have come to the conclusion that the Parasound A23 is the least of my problems. I also have a Parasound New Classic 2100 preamp, a Marantz 8600 CD player/streamer (which I also think doesn't need to be replaced), and Focal Aria 926 speakers. I did listen to advice I was given and am expecting a vintage McIntosh SL-1 sub to my system.

I am looking at a few used preamps and wanted to get your opinions on them since the only one I have heard is the Adcom GFP-750 and that was years ago. My memory is that it had a very good sound to it. The other preamps I am considering are the Rotel RC-1572, Rogue RP-1, Coplant CTA 301 MKII, Bryston BP6, and Vincent SA-T7. Unfortunately, I have not heard any of them and don't have a location where I can. I tend to prefer a sound that is not too bright but provides a good clear soundstage and imaging. I have always owned solid state before and am a little leery of tube maintenance.

Thank you for your advice or observations about any of these preamps.
bcool57

Showing 10 responses by bcool57

bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
So, are you recommending the Rogue over the Bryston? 
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
Trust me! If I built it, you would not want to listen to it😂

There is a Rogue 99 on eBay now. Looks good! Good price! But Nick at Rogue recommends the RP-1 over the 99. He said the tubes are improved. I know I could switch the tubes in the 99. But that is probably part of the reason I have always gone solid state. Pretty much zero maintenance. Plug and enjoy. That’s why I’m looking so hard at the Bryston.
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
No, I bought the lie years ago that vinyl was dead and gave all my old 1960’s and 1970’s albums away😢 Now I don’t feel like spending the money to buy them again.
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
Are any of you familiar with Vincent preamps? How do they compare to Rogue?
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
The one at which I am looking was manufactured in 2017. I am sure that either the Rogue RP-1 or the Bryston BP-1 will give me an improved sound over my current Parasound, just hard to know which one to grab. I wish it was like the old days when I could audition each of them with my equipment. 
Thanks for your help!
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
Yes. I do. Thanks!
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
Yeah. Almost 10 years left on the warranty.
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
What about the  PrimaLuna Prologue Three? I'm still leaning toward the Bryston simply because of zero maintenance and a few people on here who have had them swear by them. When I was reading the review for the PrimaLuna, people kept remarking how it gives you what it best about solid state. So, I ask myself, then why not go with a good quality solid state?
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
@ markusthenaimnut

Yes, I have noticed in my short time on here that there are certainly strong opinions toward certain brands and some of them are less familiar (at least to me). I am hoping to keep the purchase somewhere around $1,500 and I am not opposed to buying used as long as it is from a reputable source. In fact, the Bryston and the Rogue were from a used dealer, although the Rogue has since been sold, which happens when you keep looking.

I really don't care if the preamp has a phono stage. I bought into the lie many years ago that vinyl was dead and got rid of most of my albums. At this stage of my life, I do not plan to spend the money to replace them.

I prefer something that is not too bright but does have a nice soundstage and imaging. Many people have said the Rogue is good at that. Others have indicated the Bryston which is solid state is also excellent at that. After a while, it gets kind of confusing.
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
@ jkf011

I know that Conrad Johnson makes good equipment. I looked at some of it back in the day. Unfortunately, most of it is outside of my price range. What about the Conrad-Johnson PV-10AL or  CONRAD JOHNSON CT-6? Have you heard either of them? Which gives the best sound?
More to discover