2. amps-preamps
  3. 1285210804

need suggestion about pre-amp, price around $5,000

I am looking for a pre-amp to match my headphone and future speakers system. I have P70 cdt, dac wadia 64.4. Now i really want to buy a pre-amp to match my sr717+007a. I have a pair of speakers which is krell lat2. I like big 3d stage, clear, thick and smooth, detailed sound. My main music style is jazz and classics. Any recommendation you can give me? used price i can afford is around $5,000
vincentz819
tobias
1,534 posts
 
You have some nice choices at that price, especially used. Klyne and Hovland come to my mind but there are lots more I haven't heard.

Your requirements are not so uncommon, so why not start by making a long list? Look at the ads and archives here, then see which items you can eliminate. When you are down to a short list, post again, there may be someone here whose specific experience applies.
ck
101 posts
 
There was a Cary SLP 05 for about 4k used. It has a great headphone amp and for the 1k you did not spend you could buy a pretty good power cord to go with it. It is a fantastic sounding preamp, especially when running it in balanced mode.
russellrcncom
305 posts
 
To be honest, I haven't heard any of these but based on reviews here and various audio publications these are on my short list. Just waiting for the economy to improve before I pull the trigger:

Audio Research Ref 3
Ayre K-1xe
Hovland HP-200
Conrad Johnson LS-16 (version 2)

I too have heard very good things about the Cary.
sgunther
187 posts
 
Aesthetix Calypso or Calypso Signiture are worth consideration. I have been pleased with the performance of my Calypso for more than 3 years. Lots of reviews available.
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