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Suggestion for preamp - Spendor's & Cary

I have moved from an integrated amp (Creek 5350 SE and/or modified Scott 299B) to separates. I purchased a Cary CAD 808 (Rocket 88) and need some help with choosing a pre-amp. Speakers are Spendor SP 9/1’s. I am presently using a borrowed Luxman tube pre-amp (I have to give that back) I like the Luxman but don’t have anything to compare it to. I find I sometimes push the volume pretty far. I listen to everything but mostly folk, rock, acoustic blues. I like acoustic guitar music with simple arrangements and I like to occasionally get the blood stirring with something that really jumps.

I love the detail and soundstage I have heard from tubes but don’t feel as though I have realized the capabilities of the large Spendors with their 12” drivers. Spendors are 90db efficient.

Price range about $1,000.00 or less.

Thanks in advance for thoughtful comments and advice.
shuntz

Showing 3 responses by kt_88

kt_88
242 posts
 
I don't think the Cary your using is going to do the trick if your looking for gut wrenching bass, or if you want to tun it up and have the music blow your hair back. Your only pumping 40 watts into those big Spendors. But if you like the amp then I would look for either a ss pre or a pre that employees a 6922 tube.

88
kt_88
242 posts
 
Newbee

LOL!! Actually the line should have been written " I myself am definitely NOT NOT NOT the last word when it comes to high-end audio "

I am not offended in your post all at. Just having a casual voice of opinion. Yes it is good to keep an open mind about things. My only point was to steer the gent to what would open up the system the most.

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kt_88
242 posts
 
Newbee,

At the risk of getting totally of the gents original intention.....

I myself am definitely the last word when it come to high-end audio. I don't read all the articles form various stereo magazines. Therefor I don't know how to express all those wonderful phrases such as: It felt like there was a veil lifted, soundsatage, the decay, etc. I can listed to a system and notice that one pre is sweeter, or one pre has more bass. So I guess I'm not totally tone deaf :)

However I do have " friends in high places " if you will. I of course enjoy picking the minds of these folks. It is my understanding from various folks that tinker with the stuff that if, one uses the exact same components to build the board, power supply, capacitors, IC's etc. That 6922 is the most neutral sounding ( even cold and analytical of the tubes for a pre. Next in line ( of the most often tubes used is the 6sn7, and after that is close to a tie between 12ax7 ( just a bit cooler that the 12au7 ) That is why I suggested a 6922 tubed unit. But try a few in a blind test if your not convinced. ARC LS1500 ( or whatever ) against the SP16. Blue Circle also switch from a 6sn7 to a 6922. And I know the quicksilver pre's do employee both 6922 or 12ax7. I'm willing to be if you listened with a blind fold you will find in most cases the 6922 will have the coolest most analytical sound. Of course there will be exceptions. But a general rule of thumb will be the 6922. That is why I advised that something with a 6922 would be appropriate. I simply thought he would have a better chance the getting something that would " lift a veil " off the amp, if you will.

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