2. amps-preamps
  3. 1132696900

3 great choices

The Supratek Cabernet I ordered in January is still not ready to be shipped, so Mick Maloney is prepared to refund my deposit. If that is to happen, I will quickly be in the hunt for a top tube line stage preamp. Currently on audiogon I am interested in making an offer on the following:

VAC signature MK1
Mcintosh c2200
Supratek Cabernet

I would welcome any thoughts and advice. My amp is a Mac 352 driving B&W N802's and my source is a Sony 777 XES (sic) sacd player. Any other used preamps in the 4 to 5 thousand dollar range would be considered. Thanks for the opinons!
larryrosen
jafox
1,447 posts
 
Warmer sound over detail - In the $3k range, consider the BAT 31SE. And can even be found with the very decent built-in solid state phono stage for a couple hundred $$ more.
duane
189 posts
 
Find a used Essence, Thore, or LAMM. The Essence is the best I have ever heard and is so good that it is not handcuffed by system matching. Only problems are that it is very heavy, (100 lbs) it has a left and right volume control, and it is so over the top that there are only a couple of people in the world that could repair it if it ever broke or if the designer died. (he is in good health)
onemug
784 posts
 
I would think the 352/2200 synergy would be great. I've used my 2200 with the MC1000's and also with my SET's. It's very quiet and has an excellent volume control. Good luck.
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larryrosen OP
83 posts
 
I will continue to research and consider your advice.
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