2. amps-preamps
  3. 162967-153910

Need a preamp, new or used.

Hello, I'm new here and a newbie. Current system consists of Golden Ear Triton Reference, Martin Logan Motion 60, 2 SVS SB 3000 subs. 2 Parasound A21+ for the speakers. Node 2i for streaming. Have been using a Parasound P5, however it is now kaput. Looking for a better sounding pre that will not diminish bass impact. Preferably controllable like the P5. I only stream from Tidal and Amazon. Don't need a phono stage or a whole lot of connections. I don't listen real loud, about 70-85 decibels. Mostly Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, U2. Mellow rock. Budget is around 5-7k. Room is 22ftx14x8, carpet, wall and ceiling treatment. No issues in the room. All Audio Quest cables and power cords. Mogami gold for balanced interconnects. The GE's are bright enough, don't want them any brighter. Thanks for listening. 
knighttodd
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hk_fan
416 posts
 
I have very similar musical tastes and also use Parasound amplification (JC1's) with AQ cabling and have been really happy with my Levinson 326 preamp.

The rest of my system includes a Lumin streamer, Ayre QB-9 Twenty DAC, Aerial 10T's and a JL F112V2 sub.

I can listen all day with no fatigue and get excellent detail with outstanding bass performance.  I've heard great things about the JC 2 preamp as well but no direct experience in my system.

If you wanted to venture into a tubed pre, I would look at the VTL options.  I was very impressed with the 6.5II.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,250 posts
 
I have similar music taste as you.  I also own GE Triton Reference speakers.  I use a McIntosh C2500 tube preamp and a McIntosh MC301 amp.  Sound is to die for.
knighttodd OP
197 posts
 
Thanks for responding. How is the base response? My biggest problem is my wife has sensitive hearing. High notes hurt her ears. Will the tubes on the MC tone down the highs a little? Thanks for all the responses. 
nwres's avatar
nwres
205 posts
 
I'll second using a tube preamp. Trying different tubes can help customize the sound signature and can help mitigate high frequency fatigue. They also may help improve on the imaging.
4425
861 posts
 
i’m afraid that tamping down the highs will make things quite boring. one of the points of really good audio is to hear it all wout fatigue. good equipment does this.
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