I had a 10a for a couple of years (mated to a mccormack ss amp) and really liked its lushness, especially on vocals. Wanted a built in phone stage (my 10a didn't have one) and went with a audible illusions 2d (which I picked up for 400). Had a couple of weeks to switch back a forth between the two, and other than the lush vocals of the cj, I liked tha audible illusions in every respect--tight bass, extended highs, better snap to the music. With you budget you could get a ai 3a.
Preamp suggestions-upgrading from C-J PV10A
Hi. Upgrading my preamp-need suggestions. I have heard the Classe preamps thrown out there as a possible good choice. Other suggestions would be appreciated.
I am thinking about upgrading my C-J PV10A preamp-I have it currently mated to a C-J MF-2200 SS amp, VSA VR-2000's, and Arcam CD73T. I was thinking that I may want to go with tubes still, but just look for a better design. I have A/B'd the PV10A against some SS preamps (nothing special) and it really wasn't much better (the amp, OTOH, is very good). Any suggestions of a very nice preamp I could get used for $500-800? My current setup is a nice mix of lush vocals and accurate, deep-enough bass. The SS preamps I have tried were 95% as good on vocals, but a little heavy in the bass-I was thinking that by upgrading the PV10A, I should be able to improve upon my vocal performance, yet retain the same accurate, not-heavy bass. My speakers are pretty heavy in the low-end anyway (down to 26hz).
I listen mostly to Classical jazz, also Electronic (ambient, house, trance), some vocals and classical music.
I am thinking about upgrading my C-J PV10A preamp-I have it currently mated to a C-J MF-2200 SS amp, VSA VR-2000's, and Arcam CD73T. I was thinking that I may want to go with tubes still, but just look for a better design. I have A/B'd the PV10A against some SS preamps (nothing special) and it really wasn't much better (the amp, OTOH, is very good). Any suggestions of a very nice preamp I could get used for $500-800? My current setup is a nice mix of lush vocals and accurate, deep-enough bass. The SS preamps I have tried were 95% as good on vocals, but a little heavy in the bass-I was thinking that by upgrading the PV10A, I should be able to improve upon my vocal performance, yet retain the same accurate, not-heavy bass. My speakers are pretty heavy in the low-end anyway (down to 26hz).
I listen mostly to Classical jazz, also Electronic (ambient, house, trance), some vocals and classical music.