Suggestion for preamp - Spendor's & Cary

You think you haven't realized the capabilities of the Spendor's. In exactly what regard?

If you are happy with the detail and soundstage you now have then what else exists other the power? Do you listen at high volume?

FWIW Cary tube amps, if they err they probably err on the warm side of the spectrum. I had initially thought you might find this so and want a tubed pre-amp with a more crisp tone to compensate. Perhaps you just need a more powerfull amp, tube or SS, OR the Spendors just don't have a bass capabilities you thought. They might not be the latest word in eithr depth or tightness.

If you're looking for 'power' you'll not find it in a pre-amp. If you're looking to tighten up the bass and more crisp sound all around there are some good possibilities in your price range.

Comments?

I'm not a SS guy so I'll pass on recomendations of SS pre-amps. I would though if looking for one myself, look at vintage Threshold pre-amps like the FET10Hi. I have emmense respect for product from the original Threshold company run by Nelson Pass, especially his SA series amps of which the FET10 was the accompaning pre-amp. I've seen it appear on A'Gon from time to time for $750 +/-. It could be a great buy for you.

ARC makes fine tube pre amps, very well constructed and they provide outstanding service if needed. They have a house sound which most folks would consider cool in tone, and some consider some models 'bright'. But they are available used in your price range - just do a lot of research befor you commit. Most models have used 6922's but the latest SP16's, I think, use 12AX7's. Don't let youself let the tube type dictate your decision, at least with ARC. One of the benefits of any 12AX7 based pre-amp is there are a lot more tube rolling possibilities using either new production or NOS tubes. 6922's are a bit more difficult and the great ones can get a bit pricy.

FWIW.
Also consider pre-amps by VTL and Manley if you can find any in your price range. The are also well known for their more 'modern' tube sound.

If you venturesome there are a number of Chinese pre-amps that sonically could fit your needs but be wary unless you can asssure your self that you can get service if it becomes necessary.

FWIW.

Kt88, Interesting comments. Did I somewhere say that you were wrong re your comments about 6922 based tube amps in general? I don't think so!

I have had an ARC (an SP10 and its partnered D115) for many years that uses 6922's/6dj8's. This has created a long term interest in ARC products including their amps and much hands on tube experimentation. I was also aware of their SP8 which used some 12AX's and the SP16 which has gone back to using 12AX's. Did I not say that many folks would consider ARC's to be cool in tone...? Did I not recommend ARC as a possible choice that would work for him?

What I did say, and apparently this is what offended you, was to keep an open mind re tube type, once again refering to an ARC tube pre-amp. Apart from the ARC SP16 and SP8, I happen to have another non ARC Line stage which uses 2 12AU7's and one 12AX7 and can sound, tonally, almost identical to my ARC (depending on the tube selection I make).

So your friends are right, you are right, but in my mind its never wrong to keep an open mind regarding other possibilities.

More importantly perhaps, if you have personally experienced 'other possibilities' then shouldn't you pass them on to folks who need the information? At least thats how I operate. Sorry if this offended you.

In the future I will recall your declaration that "you are definitely the last word when it comes to audio" and I'll act more deferential. :-)