Has anyone considered an Audible Illusions tube preamp? Tons of inputs, seperate power supply and dynamic as any preamp I’ve heard. I have gone through a few preamp myself, Aufio Research and other well known names but the Audible Illusions remains in my system to this day.
Used models are available frequently on Audiogon and other markets and I think it’s one you should check out. Going back one series from the current model should be within you price range. Audible Illusions also sell totally refurbished models on their web site. Check them out.
Upgrading pre amp advice.
I am thinking about upgrading my pre amp (Bryston BP 25) for a pre amp which is also neutral but more musical/fluid and even more reveaIing. Also I want more 'depth' and better placing of instruments and voices. It's always hard to describe in words ; )
At the moment I have a dual mono (dual power supply) Nilai power amp, a Metrum Onyx ladder/NOS Dac (with the latest DAC3 modules) fed by an Auralic G1 streamer (upgraded with Hoerwege PSU) using semi open baffle Qualio IQ speakers.
Budget would be around 2000 Euros / 2350 US dollars.
When possible xlr (balanced) in and outputs.
I am listening to very different styles of music (Classical music, Rock, Jazz, Blues, World Music, etcetera)
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Quite the contrary. The Upgraded BAT preamp is far from dry. It is just musical and effortless. All the instrument just flow with pace, rhythm, texture, timbral accuracy that I just have not found elsewhere. The Pass Labs XO.2 was very neutral as well but it was a little veiled as if a sheer chiffon curtain was placed in front of it. The Boulder was slightly on the analytical side and was definitely more towards what you term "Dry". Typically a tube based preamp mated with a Solid state amp gave the most appealingly accurate and musical combination. The while the solid state preamps I have owned mated very well with the SET amps that I have owned, like the Wavac 833 and NAT Magma New to name 2. Like I said synergy of the system is important. At your price point and value for the dollar an VCap ODAM upgraded vk32se or vk51se would definitely be in your wheelhouse. Remember that the most important person to listen to is "You" and your own ears. I am just giving you insight into what I have had and what has sounded best to me. Steve Bednarski of BAT came to visit and spent 5hours listening. Here are his words: "your system has the best bass I have heard - and the balance of the sound is way up there as well" Having owned the Benchmark amp/preamp after reading all the hype about its great measured performance, I immediately found the sound engaging but after an hour fatigue set in. It was very analytical and lacked the texture a flow that I am now look for. The Benchmark amp sounded better with the stock BAT Vk32se I had as a backup at the time than with the Benchmark preamp in my system. Just like the Benchmark pre did better with the Stock BAT vk55se monos I had at the time. here is a list of all the amps I have personally owned. I have also audtioned many many more. My list of Speakers and preamps is also long just so you get an idea. My Amps My Amps Adcom GFA 555 Amps that I have owned! I know you currently seek a preamp, I just have not compiled a list yet. I am sure I missed a couple. Just trying to help with your decision. |
Here is a link for a VK52se with Gen3 boards for $3500 US. You never know what he would take as an offer.The Gen3 board alone is a $1200 ad. Those are 8 Dueland Caps. The upgraded the six packs with Oil caps don't know which but you could still do VCap Odams later! https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650276796-bat-vk52se-preamp-upgraded/ |
I've owned a lot of preamps at a lot of different prices. As my ear has become more fine-tuned, it has exceeded my budget. It sounds like that might be the case with you. I would suggest you look for a solid-built used preamp whose reviews describe what you're looking for. I just traded-om my ARC Ref. 3 which was a wonderful preamp, but I'm getting out of the tube business. I purchased a Pass Labs XP-30. In the reviews I read, the new XP-32 doesn't much improve on the XP-30's sound. But that was way above your budget. Pass Labs have some single box preamps (mine is three boxes, separating power supply and each channel). I'm not sure how much clarity all those boxes buy. Pass does have single-box preamps. I would look at what Audiogon and other used sites are selling. If you look at a known company like Audio Research, you'll have to read reviews. I bought an ARC LS22 used. It sounded wonderful and seductive at first, but then I began to hear the bloated bass and brittle treble, both of which were hidden by the voluptuous mid-range. I think you have to do a lot of research fast when you buy used. If there is a deal out there, it will go fast. You might have a few hours to figure out if it's what you want. In my experience a preamp with the attributes you listed does not sell new for $2K. |
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