2. amps-preamps
  3. 1268079934

Pre + phono under $2500?

this will be used in 2nd system.

have Nottingham Hyperspace + 12" Anna arm as source, have several cartridges to pair with this rig and all are low output MC. currently have a PS Audio GCPH with PCX mod, it's quite good though I prefer tube. haven't decided on amp yet though most likely will be a tube, speakers will be Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento unless wife makes me sell them to free up cash and I will go for Merlin VSM-MX or Usher BE-718.

I had Atma Sphere MP-3 before, I was very impressed with the sound but it lack remote.

I had Audible Illusions 3A before, maybe it was the tubes I didn't get too excited.

prefer one box solution, but open to pre + phono and will love to have remote & XLR out so I can run long IC.

what else is out there that matchs Atma Sphere MP-3 in sound?
semi
semi OP
649 posts
 
I am sure ARC SP-15 is a very fine sounding piece, but part of the reason I sold off Atma Sphere MP3 was lack of remote. Also, I will prefer an all tube pre intsead of solid state or hybrid unit.

I think I will have to go with a separate phono stage to find my tube pre with remote and XLR out.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
When you say transparent, it could be other things, usually speakers and cables have a lot to do with transparency. I heard the Harbeths hooked up to McIntosh gear and it is close to the most transparent sound I have ever heard
ikonetic
25 posts
 
A couple of the Bat pre's have remotes and phono sections and can be had used for under 2500.
clio09
3,346 posts
 
If solid state is an option, Jeff Rowland Capri. XLR and RCA in/out, remote, and a very underrated phono stage.
semi OP
649 posts
 
I am a big BAT tube amp fan, have owned many amps and BAT is really special. Listened to a 50SE once, don't remember much any more. Forum seems to have polarized view on BAT pre, maybe I need to get one to try in my own system. what will be a good model to try? 3iX or something higher? what about the older BAT like 3i or 31SE?

as for Rowland, I spoke to a couple owners and they thought Capri was average like most Rowland products, good look but average sound. I owned 8Ti HC once, even the old Pass X350 beats its pants off so I soon sold it.
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