2. amps-preamps
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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 4 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I had a Freya and thought it offered a ton of features for the price but I never liked the sound even after rolling tubes. I also found it noisy.

I had a Decware CSP3 but it was also a bit noisy.


Freya is dead quite in any mode ("SNR: >120db, A-weighted, referenced to 2V RMS"), it’s the environment you had them both in

(@ wolf_garcia care to comment on noise of the Freya??)

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
@jayctoy @ditusa @wolfe_garcia @georgehifi and others who have commented so positively on the Schitt gear. Good to hear such high praise of the Freya. Quick question - is it your "forever" preamp? Or are you of a mind to eventually replace it with something else?

Not me, as I go direct, no preamp even better.
And if my source had no volume control, then the passive stage of the Freya, and the if I need to use >5mt of interconnect or with an amp that only had 10kohm or less input impedance, the solid state of the Freya then the tube
Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
wolf_garcia

Schiit Freya +...incomparable features, 4 tubes that can be bypassed if you feel the need (solving the "should I get tubes?" question), plenty of balanced and single ended ins and outs, amazingly quiet operation...great sound, relatively inexpensive (less than anything noted here in other comments at around 900 bucks). I have the first version and have no desire to replace it. Killer preamp. Try it, send it back if you don’t like it. Done.

Ya can lead a horse to water Wolf, but ya can’t make them drink.
Tried to tell them the same thing. Especially because it’s low gain and the amp only needs 1v in for full output. And the sources have way more than 1v output.

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


As I said on your other preamp thread.

 Halo A23 and the A21 they only need 1v in!! for them to give their max wattage output. And most sources today give more than 2v output some even 4v and 6v!!!
So you need a preamp with next to NO gain, or go direct from the source if it has a volume control.


For preamps that have low gain look at the Schiit FreyaS with remote control!! and balanced, at $599 it gives you the choice of being used as passive, active tube or active solid state.
https://www.schiit.com/products
And you can send it back after a good listen if you don't get off on it.

Cheers George

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