Suggestions regarding preamplifier choice


I’ve been in this hobby for many years using myriad different and mid to high end components and have been generally lucky putting together equipment that worked well together. For the last 40 years I’ve mostly used panel speakers from Magnepan, acoustat and many different Martin Logan models. Recently, though, I bought a pair of Von Schweikert VR4 gen 3 HSE speakers which I think may be the most competent speakers I’ve ever owned. I still think that’s true but I also, for the second time, have a pair of old ML CLS2’s that I use with a pair of Velodyne Mini Vees and really love the sound maybe, the more laid back but still transparent and detailed sound.  I’m still trying to decide which pair to keep in the system which brings me to my question. I currently mostly stream music or use CDs using an Angstrom 200 preamp which I keep coming back to year after year and a Mark Levinson #27 amp. With either set of speakers. This setup sounds quite good but my next step gets a bit involved. I want to replace the preamp based on advice from several local audio hobbyists and I’m looking for suggestions based primarily on the described amp and speaker choices. Two example suggestions that they have are: Prima Luna with the VS’s or Bryston with the CLS’s. I think I understand the reasoning but am open to and asking for suggestions that won’t be cost prohibitive. Thanks
128x128broadstone

Showing 2 responses by soix

Reading between the lines, it sounds like you really love the VSs and are making excuses to keep the MLs.  You know what to do. 

In terms of a preamp, what are you looking to improve upon and what aspects of sound reproduction are most important to you?
Get rid of your problems and buy the Bryston BP25da listed here now for $1025.  Detailed and quiet to the max, and your soundstage will expand dimensionally in all directions.  And it may even have some of the 20-year warranty left, not that you’ll need it.  If detail and resolution are what you’re after, you will not be disappointed — it’s the embodiment of “straight wire with gain.”