Schiit Aegir pre-amp recommendation

I was using a Topping pre90 with Benchmark AHB2 mono amps and LS50's (totally neutral). It was great. I just sold the Topping yesterday, which cost $600 new. I also used a Benchmark LA4 pre with the AHB2 and LS50. It sounded the same as the pre90. The LA4 is still better because it worked with all amps (plus more features) whereas the pre90 worked great with the AHB2 and Parasound A21+, a bunch of other amps had volume issues with the pre90. The Topping will be reviewed on Stereophile in Feb. So, it will not be a mystery component anymore.

I am putting my KRELL K-300i integrated on the LS50s now. Not because it is better than the per90 + AHB2 or LA4 + AHB2 combo, but because I did not want to sell the KRELL and needed a place to use it. It is a much warmer piece and also sounds good with the LS50, that extra bass from the KRELL is pretty nice.

I have  Freya+ in my bedroom, and pairing it with the LS50 is not something that I tried nor do I think will be great considering my preference for the neutral sound of the pre90, LA4, and the AHB2 with the LS50. The KRELL is close to being too tubey for the LS50 but it does not cross that line.

Thank you Santabarbara. The Topping pre90 also looks interesting. Thanks for your writeup.

I pair my 2 Aegir amps with a McIntosh C2500 and it sounds glorious to my ears over my Forte speakers.  The 2500 was a night and day difference compared to my old Freya+ pre. 

Thanks varchard. Do you use the onboard DAC? If so, how does it sound?

I was looking for a small form because I don't want a lot of bulky equipment given my space. If I could replace my NAD326Bee (used as pre) and (NAD M51) dac, I might give it a look.

Thanks

Lee

This is just a perspective comment. I would always concentrate on what preamp I want in my system foremost. It is the primary driver of the character of the system… the centerpiece. Then I would want to get a complementary amp. Given you have amps you already want to use, your question makes sense. I guess, I would still look for the very best preamp you can possibly afford, one that reflects your tastes in sound. Then, if for some reason your amps are not complementary, swap them out.

For most of us, pursuing high end sound was not something we could do in one jump, but something to work at for decades… so each purchase ultimately was temporary… maybe for a decade at a time, but temporary. The trick is to reach a really good plateau where all equipment is complementary and synergistic and enjoy it for a good long while. So, sometimes you might think you just about got it… then the new piece throws something out of wack and another adjustment is necessary.

So, I guess my recommendation is to think about a preamp independent of your amp. Get the very best you can, then see where you are.