The Benchmark HPA4 ($2995) or LPA4 ($2495) are claimed to be super-transparent, and they come with a 30-day trial. Passive.
Preamp Question
I would like recommendations on preamps. Here's my issue.
I have an Elekit 300B SET amp. It only has one pair of line level RCA inputs. I run two different sources--vinyl and digital. The Elekit does not have a remote.
I have a Schitt Freya preamp that is really something for the money. It has a remote. But, my Manley Chinook phono preamp and Doge 7 tube DAC both sound better running direct to the Elekit amp. The Doge has a volume/attenuator and remote so when I'm using that I'm in good shape.
So basically I'd like to use a preamp to add remote and 2 line level inputs for convenience either without reducing the sound quality or even improving or changing it for the better. Budget would be $2-4k new or used is fine.
I have an Elekit 300B SET amp. It only has one pair of line level RCA inputs. I run two different sources--vinyl and digital. The Elekit does not have a remote.
I have a Schitt Freya preamp that is really something for the money. It has a remote. But, my Manley Chinook phono preamp and Doge 7 tube DAC both sound better running direct to the Elekit amp. The Doge has a volume/attenuator and remote so when I'm using that I'm in good shape.
So basically I'd like to use a preamp to add remote and 2 line level inputs for convenience either without reducing the sound quality or even improving or changing it for the better. Budget would be $2-4k new or used is fine.
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- 15 posts total
I agree with mrdecibel here. I would try the Freya in "passive" mode to see if you like the sound and to see if it is similar to running the DAC/phono direct to your amp. That would give you an idea if a passive preamp would work for you, though I don't know that any other "true passive" would really be better than the Freya. There are some passive preamps that have more than just a volume control and add things such as output transformers that can change the character of the sound - this gets into the exotic passive preamp area. Another idea: It's about a $600 investment test, but you could try putting in a quad set of PSVANE CV181-TII tubes in your Freya. That would definitely increase the resolution and quality of the Freya, but like any other preamp, it will still not be the same as direct/passive. Although, many preamps will add a "magic" to the sound that can be desired Cables - the extra set of cables between preamp and amp could also color or slightly the sound as well. |
Channel Islands Audio PLC•1 MKII Remote Passive Line Controller https://ciaudio.com/product/plc•1-mkii-remote-passive-line-controller Very transparent in my system, but I need more inputs and the tape loop. Good luck! |
- 15 posts total