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Suggestions for a holographic preamp?

I'm looking to replacing my Herron Audio tube line stage with something else, not because of a problem with the sound, but for a few other reasons.

I do both digital and analog, and have a Herron Audio tube phono preamp. My power amp is an MSB S-200, which is awesome, and my speakers are Marten Parker Duos, which are wonderful for a deep, holographic soundstage that I like so much.

I listen mostly to rock and reggae, and I'm looking to keep the price under $10K US, and I'm fine with a used one as well.

I get the feeling that I will need a tube preamp to get that holographic sound, but perhaps there are some SS ones that do as good a job?

The fellow I work with at The Music Room suggested a ModWright LS-100 or a used PS Audio BHK preamp; I've researched and they both look like they'd fit the bill, but I'd like to hear your suggestions, too! 

larsman
barts's avatar
barts
802 posts
 

Hey @larsman ,

I agree with @soix on this one.  A learning remote is programmed by the remote you already have.  Put it in learning mode and point your current remote at the spot they designate on the new remote and it learns the code (button by button).

TV remotes have unique codes by manufacturer which makes it simple just put in the code and voilà.  

If you are determined to get a different pre then I believe an ARC REF6 used fits the bill.  Yes, that's what I'm using and it is a wonderful big sound.

Regards,

barts 

 

 

soix
11,250 posts
 

these are custom programmed and a universal remote will not work with the preamp.

If it’s a learning universal remote it should be able to learn any code, custom or not.  If you like your pre it’s surely worth a try, and again with Amazon if it doesn’t work you can easily return it.  I’d try this one for 10 bucks and just see — my guess is it will learn the Herron codes…

https://www.amazon.com/Chunghop-Universal-Learning-Function-L336/dp/B07C97YBBC

larsman's avatar
larsman OP
3,169 posts
 

@barts - thanks, but I specifically asked Keith Herron if a universal remote could be taught on this and he told me no, and I don't think it's because he wants to sell a few cheap remotes.

@cfarrow - yes, that ESP 360 is what I've got as well, and I upgraded the tubes via Brent Jessee. I love its sound, but I really hate that remote! I may try a few of these that have home-audition and see how they compare in my system and my listening environment. I will not be letting go of my Herron Phono VTPH-2, however! 

soix
11,250 posts
 

Also, can anybody tell me anything about impedance matching between pre- and power amps? 

In general you want the input impedance of the amp to be 10x the output impedance of the pre.  BUT, the impedance varies by frequency and may go higher or lower than the stated number, so to be safe I’d look for the input impedance on the amp to be at least 20x the preamps’s output impedance if possible.  In general I think this is more likely to be an issue with tubes than solid state.  Hope this helps. 

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,993 posts
 

Link Attached 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650228738-ear-yoshino-868-preamp-with-fabulous-phono-stage/

The Spatial Audio Raven is off interest to myself, I would really like to experience it in use, hence, no ears in front of it does not encourage me to strongly suggest it can make a very good impression as has the EAR 868 has in a system belonging to another.

Synergy is what really matters and this is only to be found through trialling different devices in the home system within the dedicated listening space.

Not one recommendation or suggestion of investigation is going to bring the impression Synergy can create for an End Sound produced as a guaranteed outcome.      

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