Seeking suggestions for Preamp


Current speakers/amps:

- Wilson Sophia 2's
- Pass XA 100.5 and/or Citadel 1.5 amps

Preamps auditioned:
- Audio Research REF 3
- VTL 5.5
- Esoteric C-03
- Doshi Alaap

I don't like the REF 3 - there's nothing about it that I like. The VTL was dirty sounding. The Esoteric was nice, but brand new and I only auditioned it for an hour or so, but it didn't quite have the body I was looking for.

The Doshi has it in spades and might be my answer, but I'm looking to see what else is out there.

I'm looking for something romantic and a bit bloomy, but NOT noisy and very extended (don't like anything the least bit rolled off on top).

I'm about to try the Pass XP-20 preamp even though it's solid state.

Any ideas of other pre's to pursue?
madfloyd
A VTL 5.5 is not designed to drive Solid State amps. For that you need the 6.5 or 7.5. Of course it would sound bad. It is a gross mismatch.
04-21-09: Coffeey
Coda,good stuff


Yes it is, if you must do solid state. Fortunately for us, most of us have left SS for tubes......
I second VAC for tubes. On my 2nd VAC preamp and its very good, although I'm told the Renaissance Signature Mk 2 mentioned by John above is even better. I'd say it hits your parameters - the sound is very hypnotic (in a good way) and draws you into the music. Build quality/support are as good as it gets.