2. amps-preamps
  3. 128810-1642

Specific Pre-Amp advice


I would really like to get some help from the Forum. Late 2017 early 2018 I am getting a new pre-amp. My options to hear gear are low (common issue). Probably be buying blind which I have done in the past in conjunction with research. Here is the run down. 

Budget: 2500 possibly pushed to 3k. Looking for used gear (pretty much ruling out new).

1. I am leaning heavily toward a tube pre.
2. I would like a remote but its not a deal breaker if it gets me better SQ
3. Line stage only. Don't really need a phono stage as I have a stand alone
4. It needs to be active. 
5. Feeding SS amp with 100k input impedance 
6. Primary used with Vinyl front end. Would like it to handle three sources. (Radio, Dac/CD and Input for TT)
7. 2 channel only no pass through needed or wanted. 
8. Single Ended RCA Connection. My amp does not have true balance connections 

Current System 

VPI Prime 
SS Aida Cart
MS Nova Phomoma 
Exposure 17
Exposure Dual Reg 4
Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grands 

I am looking to get more resolution. A more liquid sound. Bigger soundstage and get more of the recording space into my room. 

My preference is for an open/transparent neutral sound slightly tipped to the warm side in the highs. Slight roll off maybe. I like a fast quick musical sound with tight quick bass. Not looking for tube romance or rounded bass. I absolutely would like to stay away from bright sounding gear. Also super etched is not to my thing. I fall in the musicality camp. 

Any suggestions that would help me achieve this sound would be appreciated. These qualities defiantly take system matching into account. Pretty happy right now but I think I can do better.



darkstar1

Showing 1 response by nordicnorm

nordicnorm
313 posts
 
In your budget range, you have a lot of good preamps to choose from.

I recently upgraded my preamp and ended up choosing a Don Sachs custom 6SN7 model 1:  http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html

Base model is $1,699 with the following options available:

• Change one pair of basic 6SN7 tubes to Shuguang Black Treasure CV181z $129
• Upgrade from cherry case to walnut $40
• All film cap power supply using Mundorf Tube Caps $150
• Change one set of RCA inputs to XLR (balanced) using high quality Cinemag line transformers $225
• Change the output capacitors to one pair of Jupiter Copper Caps $60
• Change the output capacitors to one pair of Duelund CAST PIO-Cu (expensive, but even better) $375

Since all units are custom built, Don will build your preamp to match your particular amp. I can attest that Don is very knowledgeable, honest and really knows his stuff! 
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