Ancient 'phile here. Owned a lot of kit over the decades. but for the last ~8 years a dac/pre; Audio Alchemy DDP-1, which died about 4 months ago. Thinking it might cost to much to repair, I contacted AA but got no response, which was a blessing in disguise. Being retired living on SS ans a small monthly insurance stipend, even used hi-end kit is out of h question. I had been watching YTVs (made by several non-hi-end reviewers) about various Asian companies making quality audio, but as a Amazon not only do they carry most of the brands I was curious about, but free returns AND 6 no interest payments: first I bought a SMSL PL200T top loading transport, and partly because it decodes MQA (I know not many many of them available, but still)... Amazing for $500. Next I bought a Topping D90iii Dac/Pre; a one bit, discrete, fully balanced @ $999 (MSRP of AA when new was $2600), and as good as. Reading more, several reviewers urged getting a preamp. I bought the Topping D90 @$900) . IMHO, all outstanding value for < a quality used transport, dac or pre. High end prices are dinosaurs. The Ladder Bach II is very highly regarded as are several others all < $1500 HTH
Preamp advice
I currently have an electrocompaniet ec 4.7 preamp.
Iam looking to upgrade to a more holographic preamp without breaking the bank.
Speakers: Wilson Sasha, Martin Logan SL3, Magnepan 3.5R
Amp: Krell KSA 200S
Source: Consonence Droplet Vinyl with Lyra Kleos SL
Ideally something used.
Happy to hear recommendations.
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@tweak1 I agree the topping pre gets awesome reviews. I need to try it. |
I’ve owned a lot of preamps aesthetix preamp is a commonly hyped pre here but I’ve had and not nearly as good as I’d hoped. Very limited in resolution. Decent but not next level. |
Actually, the Pre90 has received mixed feedback from end users. Yes, it was praised by Stereophile, but not every piece of gear they recommend turns out to be great in real-world use. Its sound leans toward the analytical side. If your intention is to switch from your current solid-state preamp to a tube counterpart for added warmth and smoothness, going with the Pre90 would be a step in the wrong direction. |
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