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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
robshaw
350 posts
 

I have a rather nice system, all Rock and roll ONLY. Pass X250.8 and Bricasti M1 SE DAC with network card. Wont go into all the other pieces. Both systems controlled by Benchmark LA-4 preamps. 30 day trial period, made in Upstate NY 3K or so, Phone always  answered by a human (RORY, IS GREAT TO DEAL WITH. Adjustable gain, etc. Quality in and out!  Robert TN

larsman's avatar
larsman OP
3,160 posts
 

@robshaw - Thanks for that info, Robert - keep rockin'! 

larsman's avatar
larsman OP
3,160 posts
 

BTW, I found the email and this is what Keith Herron says about his remote:

I am not aware of a universal remote that will work with the 360.  Our remote changes the code (a toggle bit) every other time you push the buttons (except for the volume level - and +).  This prevents switching back and forth when holding the button in too long.

ronboco
1,117 posts
 

@larsman 

I agree with the earlier post about your room being vital for the sound you want. Address any issues with it first. If you are considering SS Boulder is extremely good albeit neutral. I use their app on my tablet for volume control and it works great ! Good luck! 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,404 posts
 

I don't know why he couldn't have put a 'Mute' button on there - all I really require is volume and mute. 

@larsman Many mute circuits have the potential to mess with the sound.

Since your amp has a balanced input you might consider a balanced preamp as well. If you do, its helpful if that preamp supports AES48, the balanced line standard. The standard helps prevent the interconnect cable from having a 'sound' (coloration). There are not many tube balanced preamps that support the standard. Many audiophiles don't realize how important that is; getting rid of cable interactions in the system opens up transparency which contributes to a more holographic sound stage. 

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