Yamaha C-5000 gives you a transformer for each channel. No dac.
Preamp Upgrade Advice
I'm pretty new to higher end preamps, but looking for one to take over my current system. I had been using the preamp built into my Sonnet Morpheus DAC (which i'll be keeping for now until I upgrade to a Pasithea or something else, the preamp portion on these is functional but very basic). I have a benchmark LA4 right now, which works and is very clean, but its an almost overly dry and neutral sound. I'm looking for something with a warmer and fuller sound. Not sure if I want tubes or not, i've traditionally stuck to solid state but i've only ever tried budget tube amps before which were always too muddy and veiled for me
Only real criteria is it needs to have low output impedance to fit with my amps (ideally 50-100 ohms), balanced is a plus but not absolutely necessary. Doesn't need phono or a dac. If anyone has experience comparing the below i'd greatly appreciate it. Budget is $5-10k
Pass Labs XP-12 (current top choice, I've heard it before but not at home)
Audio Research LS-3 or LS-2
Conrad Johnson ET6/ET6SE
Rogue Audio RP-7 or RP-9
Bricasti M20 (over budget, but I could stretch for it)
Bryston BR-20 or BP-19
Naim NAC 322
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- 46 posts total
Speaking of transformers. My friend made a passive pre with transformers and it was great. I am hoping to snag one for my DAC in the future. Here is a more production version that is doing the same thing. ALLEGRI REFERENCE - Townshendaudio
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Literally all of those preamps will bring your system up three notches and make you mad you didn’t do it before. No tube pre is like walking around in undies. Adding tube pre is like having five walk in closets and choosing the best thing you own, getting a manicure, haircut, and winning the lottery in one although if going audio research I suggest an ls-28se |
If I had seen this one before I made my own DIY OTL/OCL office setup ($1300) I would have bought this one. My friends prototype passive pre was amazing, but this one has better transformers. By-passing a regular preamp and not using a power supply was my favorite way to connect my gear. Wish I had seen this ad earlier. 1,000 lowered price Townshend Allegri Reference MK II Photo #5917416 - US Audio Mart
Edit: Townshend Audio Allegri Reference Preamplifier (just saw this new review) |
- 46 posts total