Thanks everyone for the great responses. I have done some more research and believe the BAT VK-40 may ultimately be the way to go. Since I will be buying used, and my Adcom pre still sounds pretty good, I will take John's advice and hang on to it for awhile, until I find the right deal on a VK-40. The unity gain setting you guys mentioned for the BAT preamps is also the way you get HT pass through on the Muse. I only wish some of you had actually heard the Muse, as I suspect it is a really good preamp for the money, but ultimately not as good as the synergy would be between my BAT amp and the VK-40. Still, I really like my 9 sig and would love to hear the 3 sig preamp in my setup. Thanks again.
Preamp Options-Classe,Muse,SF,BAT,Adcom
Hello everyone, I would like to tap into your experiences with different preamps. I currently use an Adcom GFP-750 with Stan Warren Black Gate cap upgrade, and it betters the stock version considerably, and sounds pretty good overall. I am trying to achieve SS detail and dynamics, but also a rich lifelike midrange and little to no SS nastiness (without breaking the bank). Current set-up includes Muse 9 sig, Adcom pre, BAT VK-500 amp, Alon V Mk II speakers with woofer upgrade, Cardas Golden Reference ic's, Alon's Black Orpheus speaker wire, and Chris VH Flavor 1&2 power cords. I use two dedicated 20 amp power circuits, one for the amp and the other through a Jon Risch power filter for the front end. This system is close to what I am looking for, and occasionally sounds excellent on good recordings. However, I am wondering if any of the following may improve on my modified Adcom preamp. BTW I generally prefer it in active mode (popular rock and blues), but occasionally use it passive for acoustic type music (C'boy Junkies, Pete Yorn, etc). I must have the HT pass through and balanced design. I do not need high gain, but I am not interested in passive only units, and do not need the passive option. I need line stage only and remote is optional. Any comments on the following, or other, contenders ($1K-2K used) would be appreciated, or do you think the Adcom likely betters them?
Muse Model 3 Signiture
(really interested in 1st hand experiences with the Muse)
Classe' CP60 (why are comments on this unit so erratic?)
Sonic Frontiers Line 2
(it has the features, but I heard it sounds thin)
BAT (Do any of these offer the HT pass through?)
Others???
Thanks in advance for your help - Tim
Muse Model 3 Signiture
(really interested in 1st hand experiences with the Muse)
Classe' CP60 (why are comments on this unit so erratic?)
Sonic Frontiers Line 2
(it has the features, but I heard it sounds thin)
BAT (Do any of these offer the HT pass through?)
Others???
Thanks in advance for your help - Tim