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Help - Need Preamp under 5K for Class D amps

I’ve been looking at preamps for some time now and now that I’ve finally taken delivery of some audiophile quality speakers it time to find this device.
My current setup is as follows:

Line Arrays in the form of AV123 LS-6’s driven by a pair of Nuforce 9 SEV2’s. No pre in the signal path. Source is a Slim devices Transporter. All files EAC ripped FLAC lossless compression.
AC services:
VH-Audio power cords service the Nuforce’s in Flavor 4 version as well as the Power conditioner. Dedicated circuit utilizing a Furutech outlet and Furutech silver IEC connectors, Furutech gold plugs on the opposite end on power cords except on the Transporter end where I use a Oyaide 079.

Adona Rack and a considerable amount of room treatments.

So what I hear while sitting on the couch is a pretty resolving system with pinpoint imaging, a decent amount of bloom, dynamics galore and a generally pleasing sound except… I’m not quite where I want to be in terms of just being able to relax into the music. I’d like a bit more air, or bloom or warmth? Sorry I don’t have the right description but perhaps the fact that I have NO pre is the problem in general. Overall sound seems to be a bit clinical. Maybe that’s the word.

This is why I ask the help of my audiophile brothers and sisters here. Running my MAC RCA Palladiums’ doesn’t improve this much over the balanced cables I own which are DH-Labs DIYers. Having a home theatre system in tow that utilizes the Nuforce’s as well I find myself constantly moving interconnect cables which is annoying at best.

I’ve been looking at Dan’s Modwright 36.5 and auditioned one from a fellow Audiogon seller. I couldn’t get a handle on it’s attributes from that audition – too different a system not to mention that I didn’t like what I was hearing from his setup. Others pre’s I’ve been interested in are as follows:

Parasound Halo JC-2 – No tubes but does that really matter?
Aesthetix Calypso
Audio Horizons 2.1
Modwright 36.5
Other?

Thanks for your advice.
128x128desalvo55
Post removed 
stltrains
845 posts
 
I am using a tubed Audio Horizon 2.1 balanced and after using Nuforce P-8, P-9, going with a tubed preamp with my Ref 9 SE V2s was a positive move for my systems delivery. I did not audition any others as i was totally satisfied with what i was hearing with AH. YRMV

I was a AV123 user Rocket RS 1000s like there style but moved on.

Desalvo55 good luck with your fine system
deliberate1
33 posts
 
Desalvo55, I run a class D Halcro MC20 through a pair of Newform Research hybrids. Have made some significant changes to my system to achieve the very goals you mention. Last year, I bought a Cambridge Audio 804c player and a pre-owned AtmaSphere MP3. The sound was full, detailed multi-dimensional and ultimately more impressive than engaging. I also had a hum in the system that I could not resolve and took the pre off line. Recently, I purchased a Cary sacd 306 and a used Audio Horizons tp2.0 pre with the balanced and noise reduction upgrades. The synergy sounds like what you are looking for. Relaxing, is your goal, and what I have achieved. I would attribute that to the Audio Horizons. The Halcro is described as clinical and brutally honest, to a fault. The Cary, to my ear, has an analog quality. The Audio Horizons seems to tie it all together in a package that gives you the music in an honest, revealing, expansive and non-fatiguing way. I am a jazz musician and have have developed a ear for the way instruments should sound - not just the music. I get that with the system I now have. You may find the Audio Horizons to your liking. It is considerably south of $2k, even with options, and is returnable. Hope this helps. David
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snopro
385 posts
 
I know exactly what your talking about, I had the same problem.
Getting a tube pre-amp will steer you in the right direction, but IMS changing to a gold IC was the icing on the cake, it gave me that rich tone and fullness I was looking for. The sound is still detailed and resolving but, has more meat on them bones.
I agree with Tvad the solution isn't one component. You will have to try different tubes,PC,IC,isolation devices,etc. until you get good synergy and the sound you like.
I have a Supratek Sauvignon with upgraded V-caps in my set-up and the sound is wonderful.
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