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Seeking Suggestions on Preamp Upgrade (CJ, Aesthetix, EAR)

I have about $5,000 budget to upgrade a preamp.  I am using Luxman 550 integrated as a preamp currently, it sounds a bit too lean to me.  Rest of the system are Pass XA30.5, Dynaudio Contour 3.4, Marantz reference SACD.  I am thinking CJ CT5/ET5, CJ ACT2, Aesthetix Calypiso, EAR 868, or Zesto Leto.  Thank you very much!

davidhe19audio
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,855 posts
 
I heard 2 aesthetix  preamp one is calypso, this are excellent unit, I will buy one, without thinking, if I can afford it, they are so neutral, and full sounding, and well made....
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,855 posts
 
The other unit is 7k, I forgot the name, between the 5k and 7k, for me the 2k difference is not worth it.
rsf507
2,255 posts
 
How about an Atmasphere pre? Very neutral but must use a balanced amp to get best results.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,297 posts
 
How about a Rogue RP-5 tube preamp?  Loads of inputs/outputs and sounds excellent, especially with 4 NOS Mullard tubes.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,128 posts
 
+1 jayctoy. 

I woukd look for Aesthetix Calypso Signature version.  
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