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Preamp Opinion

A couple of weeks ago, I asked for advice on my amp and preamp. Although I am sure that it could be improved, I have come to the conclusion that the Parasound A23 is the least of my problems. I also have a Parasound New Classic 2100 preamp, a Marantz 8600 CD player/streamer (which I also think doesn't need to be replaced), and Focal Aria 926 speakers. I did listen to advice I was given and am expecting a vintage McIntosh SL-1 sub to my system.

I am looking at a few used preamps and wanted to get your opinions on them since the only one I have heard is the Adcom GFP-750 and that was years ago. My memory is that it had a very good sound to it. The other preamps I am considering are the Rotel RC-1572, Rogue RP-1, Coplant CTA 301 MKII, Bryston BP6, and Vincent SA-T7. Unfortunately, I have not heard any of them and don't have a location where I can. I tend to prefer a sound that is not too bright but provides a good clear soundstage and imaging. I have always owned solid state before and am a little leery of tube maintenance.

Thank you for your advice or observations about any of these preamps.
bcool57
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,604 posts
 
I have always owned solid state before and am a little leery of tube maintenance.
Its no big deal. Not much to it- the tubes can last in a preamp to well past 10,000 hours (depending on the preamp and the circuit) and they are even mounted in sockets so you can replace them yourself :)

The only real bugaboo I've run into after 46 years in the business as a manufacturer is that sometimes people don't recognize that high performance tube equipment often needs hand-picked tubes, and tube sellers often don't do that. There are a few that do though! But if you paid a lot for a boutique tube and its noisy or microphonic, you can be disappointed. That is why you audition the tubes right away, to make sure they are suitable. Any reputable tube seller will offer the tubes with a 90 day warranty.



verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 
I like Rogue's sound a lot.  The RP1 is a nice preamp.  You will not need new tubes for a LONG time if you replace them once and that is not an expensive unit to get tubes for. Don't be afraid of tubes.  
bcool57 OP
24 posts
 
So, are you recommending the Rogue over the Bryston? 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


As I said on your other preamp thread.

 Halo A23 and the A21 they only need 1v in!! for them to give their max wattage output. And most sources today give more than 2v output some even 4v and 6v!!!
So you need a preamp with next to NO gain, or go direct from the source if it has a volume control.


For preamps that have low gain look at the Schiit FreyaS with remote control!! and balanced, at $599 it gives you the choice of being used as passive, active tube or active solid state.
https://www.schiit.com/products
And you can send it back after a good listen if you don't get off on it.

Cheers George

hoytis
85 posts
 
+1 for Bryston. Granted I have an 11B but the company's attention to detail on build quality is exceptional across the board. Depth of clarity is amazing.
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