2. amps-preamps
  3. 177930-818

A preamp recommendation

Hello everyone,  I'm looking for a "neutral" preamp that does not emphasize and de-emphasize any frequency range but has just a tiny bit of warmth.  Accurate harmonic information resulting in natural instrumental timbre, outstanding sound staging and imaging, solid extended bass without typical under controlled bass of typical tubes or over damped bass of transistors, crystalline smooth extended high frequency, excellent micro and macro dynamics, and clear transparent sound are all important to me.  I don't like hyper detailed sound typical of some transistor preamps or overly smooth warm sound of some tube preamps.  Currently, my favorite preamp is an autoformer passive preamp which gives many of the sound quality I like, but it lacks the drive and impact I get from active preamps. I have auditioned some top preamps from Audio Research, D'Agustino, Pass, among others, but was underwhelmed due to lack of transparency, inaccurate timbre, and/or significant deviation from overall neutrality.  I don't care if the preamp is solid state or tube, long as my requirements are met.  All of my amps have input impedance of 50KOhms or above. Which preamp would best fit my taste?  Any preamp new or used $15k or under would be on my list. Thank you.

dracule1
dracule1 OP
1,085 posts
 

Thanks guys on recommending SST Ambrosia, Backert Rhythm (I’ve looked into this), Simaudio, and  Briscati.  I’ll look into all of them.

I have question regarding the choice of volume control in these high end preamps. Some chose the Alps Blue remote control pot. Imo, it doesn’t belong in a preamp costing $10k+ or even in $6k preamp.  I know it’s easy and affordable way to get remote functionality but in my own listening tests, the Alps Blue just can’t compete with stepped resistor, optical, or transformer/autoformer attenuators. Some of these other options are expensive, but some stepped resistor remote attenuators can be relatively affordable option albeit still more affordable than Alps Blue. So why do some high end manufacturers skimp on one of the most important component of a preamp?

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,222 posts
 

So why do some high end manufacturers skimp on one of the most important component of a preamp?

Agreed, terrible choice for deciding to cut corners. High quality volume control is paramount to achieving excellent sound quality in an upper tier preamplifier. The Coincident Statement line stage that I mentioned a few days ago utilizes very good quality transformers for V.C. And the Atma-Sphere MP-1 stepped resistors.

Charles

 

dodgealum
1,398 posts
 

You’re described preferences align with my experience using the Herron Reference linestage. Best I’ve had in my system. I’ve heard the LTA in other systems that made good sound so is likely also a good choice. Hope this helps.

dracule1 OP
1,085 posts
 

Dodgealum, I’ve thought about the Herron Linestage in the past too. I know they make excellent phono. I’ll have to revisit. 

luxmancl38
580 posts
 

Luxman CL38U C. Neutral w/some warmth. Also has an excellent three tube phono.

More to discover