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New to Preamp - Preamp suggestion around 10k

Hello all! I am new to this site, and preamp. Thiss might be niche, but I am using a Stax headphone with its amp, which has a bypass function for external preamp. I am trying to add a slight bit of warmth, plus better dynamics and imaging.

 

Currently I have found some good ones (and available), from what I've seen on this site, as follows:

Rogue Audio RP-9

Cary SLP-05 (around 11k with the "ultimate upgrade")

 

I've also seen ARC Ref 6 suggested, but there seems to be a lack of sellers in my place. As for SLP-05, the distributor at my place said there was no demo, even for the standard version......which left me with RP-9 for audition. Would much appreciate your opinions on them, and any alternatives!

 

Thank you in advance!

cming0038
yoyoyaya's avatar
yoyoyaya
1,078 posts
 

@op - it always helps to provide as much information as possible.

 

Which Stax Earspeakers and which energiser are you currently using?

 

mwood
85 posts
 

You absolutely should try the Backert Rhumba Extreme or Rhythm. 

bigkidz
3,509 posts
 

The one we build! LOL At $10K you can afford one!

Happy Listening.

markmuse
337 posts
 

My journey in the last few years has been BHK, replaced with Rogue RP7, replaced with ARC 6SE, finally replaced with Backert Labs Rhythm. 

The BHK sounded best with 6-7 volt tubes, but was noisy with them in my admittedly overpowered system.

The Rogue was nice but I wanted a bit more resolution.

The ARC was hard and aggressive sounding.

The Backert is wonderful! Perfect balance of warm, resolving, no issues, only two tubes, responds well to tube rolling, including 12sn7 with adapters. 

charliech
21 posts
 

Question for the group.  The OP is looking for "slight bit of warmth, plus better dynamics and imaging" and is asking for pre-amp suggestions to help with that.  Is a pre-amp the right tool to solve this issue?  Or would looking at different headphones make more sense?  

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