2. amps-preamps
  3. 130786-78412

Thinking of a new preamp and looking for advice...

So, I am currently running a BAT VK30 into a Parasound A21 to Golden Ear Triton 2 speakers.  Sources are a Sony Z1ES and a Linn LP12 to a Parasound JC3+ phono stage. Green Audioquest cables all around. Most of my listening is vinyl--lots of jazz and 70's-80's rock and female vocals. I love the sound of my system, but the BAT is very finicky about power, and I have a ground loop that I cannot find...It works fine at other locations, but has a hum in only the right channel in my listening room...It's driving me bananas!

I demoed a Sonic Frontiers LS1 and the ground loop was gone, but it didn't have the open airy sound that my BAT does.  I am looking into an Audio Research LS-27, and also a McIntosh C47.  My must haves for a new preamp are at least 2 balanced inputs and balanced outs, and a remote control.  I may like to stay with tubes, but I'm not opposed to SS either.  Price-wise my ceiling is around $4000.  I would love to here from anyone who has either of these preamps as to what they like or don't like about them.  I am also open to suggestions. 

Thanks for your input.

128x128jptenberg1

Showing 1 response by minorl

minorl
1,014 posts
 

I have REF 3 for sale at this time.  I'm the original owner and you would love it.  look me up on AudioGon

As far as the ground loop is concerned.  Have you tried the tried and true procedure to find it?

1. Connecting the speakers to the amp only. removing all connections and interconnects, except speaker cables.  Noise?  yes, it is the amp.  No, move on

2.  Connect the pre-amp only to the amp to the speakers.  noise?  yes.  it is the pre-amp or the cables from the pre-amp. 

and so on one element at a time till you find the source.

More to discover