Wow, I hadn't thought about this thread for awhile. I ended up with a Gamut C2R with phono board. A pretty nice step up from the CA 5. Now getting thoughts of a tube preamp, just to try the tube flavor.
Preamp Synergy for GamuT amp
I would like some input on a preamp that would be a good match for a GamuT D100 amp. Just got the amp here at Audiogon. It is replacing an Adcom GFA 555 II. A nice step up. As a result, I need to upgrade my preamp now.(A vicious circle) I am unable to demo a lot of these models in my area and I don't want to waste a dealer's time if I am going to buy used on the internet. If it's available new locally, I will demo and try to buy there.
Some concerns here. One is whether the balanced or the RCA inputs will make a significant difference. I would mention that at this time I have no sources with balanced out. Another is I would prefer a preamp with a built in MM/MC phono stage. Fairly rare in this day and age. I could bite the bullet and get an external phono stage if this is the best route. One other concern. I need an RCA output for the sub. So hopefully I can use the balanced out in conjunction with the RCA out.
My price range is something in the $1000 - $1500 range, new or used. Don't consider the external phono in this price.
Biggest Difference in upgrade so far:
1. Vocals and instruments natural sounding and devoid of grain I didn't know I had.
2. Depth of sound stage.
My musical taste runs to rock(classic, alternative, new wave, progressive) from the 60's, 70's, 80's, played at moderate volumes:-) Also Jazz, Classical and a varied assortment of other stuff. My music collection consists of 600+ LPs and about 200 CDs.
SYSTEM
Preamp: Nakamichi CA 5 (Basic preamp with nice phono section)
Amp: GamuT D100
Speakers: Newform Research Module 30's (Sweet, airy)
Sub: Pinnacle Baby Boomer in parallel w/speakers(Fast and musical for it's price range)
CD Player: Music Hall CD25
Turntable: Linn LP12 with Ittok LVII/AT OC9
IC's: Mapleshade Ultrathin for amp & CD player
Speaker wire: Plain old 14 gauge OFC with Banana Plugs
I have listed below some of preamps I am considering. Please comment as to sonic character of each. If a balanced preamp is the choice, suggest some "starter" XLR cables. Feel free to suggest other preamps to consider.
Single Ended w/phono:
Odyssey Tempest
Quad 99
Single Ended w/o phono:
Marsh P2000t
Edge Si-1 M
Balanced I/O w/phono:
Classe CP 50
Jeff Rowland Consumate(used '94)
Balanced I/O w/o phono:
Adcom GFP 750
Classe CP 60
GamuT C2R
Marsh P2000b
Thanks in advance to the great group of audiogoners!
Some concerns here. One is whether the balanced or the RCA inputs will make a significant difference. I would mention that at this time I have no sources with balanced out. Another is I would prefer a preamp with a built in MM/MC phono stage. Fairly rare in this day and age. I could bite the bullet and get an external phono stage if this is the best route. One other concern. I need an RCA output for the sub. So hopefully I can use the balanced out in conjunction with the RCA out.
My price range is something in the $1000 - $1500 range, new or used. Don't consider the external phono in this price.
Biggest Difference in upgrade so far:
1. Vocals and instruments natural sounding and devoid of grain I didn't know I had.
2. Depth of sound stage.
My musical taste runs to rock(classic, alternative, new wave, progressive) from the 60's, 70's, 80's, played at moderate volumes:-) Also Jazz, Classical and a varied assortment of other stuff. My music collection consists of 600+ LPs and about 200 CDs.
SYSTEM
Preamp: Nakamichi CA 5 (Basic preamp with nice phono section)
Amp: GamuT D100
Speakers: Newform Research Module 30's (Sweet, airy)
Sub: Pinnacle Baby Boomer in parallel w/speakers(Fast and musical for it's price range)
CD Player: Music Hall CD25
Turntable: Linn LP12 with Ittok LVII/AT OC9
IC's: Mapleshade Ultrathin for amp & CD player
Speaker wire: Plain old 14 gauge OFC with Banana Plugs
I have listed below some of preamps I am considering. Please comment as to sonic character of each. If a balanced preamp is the choice, suggest some "starter" XLR cables. Feel free to suggest other preamps to consider.
Single Ended w/phono:
Odyssey Tempest
Quad 99
Single Ended w/o phono:
Marsh P2000t
Edge Si-1 M
Balanced I/O w/phono:
Classe CP 50
Jeff Rowland Consumate(used '94)
Balanced I/O w/o phono:
Adcom GFP 750
Classe CP 60
GamuT C2R
Marsh P2000b
Thanks in advance to the great group of audiogoners!