I'd take a serious look at the Allnic L-6500 preamp. AI even agrees with me and says it's a great match for the S5 and Cornwalls. 
Another tube preamp "What should I buy" question.
I’m looking for a preamp to last me for the next 20 years - a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend big. Have a Holo Spring DAC, and will never have a turntable so linestage only. It’s to feed a Michi S5 power amp, into a pair of Cornwalls.
I’m close to pushing the button on a McIntosh MC2700. But why not the Prima Luna Evo 400 Pre? Or (and this is a wildcard) a Leben preamp? Love the idea of a Manley Neo Classic 300B but am concerned of reports of hum that the Cornwalls would only accentuate.
I know this kind of question has been asked many times before on this forum, but what’s the current view? Does anyone have an informed opinion one way or the other?
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@rowester Why not the Michi P5 Preamplifier? Do you want a tube pre for the tubes or to warm sound? Why not try no Preamplifier if your streamer has a pre? Excluding the Q’s, I deeply miss using and holding a Leica but these older stigmatatic myopic eyes can’t nail focus. Here in the US (everywhere too) one of then w/ glass is the equivalent of two bodies and some lenses. So there’s that. Roos photo is me. I don’t miss film and for the way I shoot eye auto focus is a dream. I don’t use 95% of all the Sony bodies functions. Who does? |
Another whole hearted recommendation for Aric Audio and the Motherlode. If you are looking for a piece of gear that you hope to enjoy for 20 years and beyond, then a 4-6 month wait is a small period of time, relatively speaking. Your patience will be rewarded. I have owned Mac, Luxman, Pass Labs, and have auditioned many others, including the Don Sachs and Leben. My Motherlode is the longest I have ever owned a preamp for, and I expect its tenure to be long and exceptional. Aric's customer service and support is also a big reason for my endorsement. |
Depending on budget, have a look at the VTL TL series of preamps. I have a TL-5.5 series 2 which has been in my system for about 8 years and have never regretted buying it ever. They drive a pair of Krell FPB 350Mcx amps which are connected in turn to a pair of Magicos S1. To me the system sounds amazing with all the definition, transparency, dynamics we all look for. I used to have a Conrad Johnson Premier 17LS and an Aesthetix Calypso. They were good. The CJ was a little outdated and it did not have balanced inputs. The Aesthetix has a lot of features, but somehow the VTL sound appealed more to me. Hope this helps but it unfortunately adds to your confusion!!! |
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