2. amps-preamps
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Best preamp: Viola, Jadis, F.M. or Jeff Rowland ?

a dream test would be to compare "live" following preamps:

-Jadis JP80 MC MKIII

-Jeff Rowland's Criterion

-Viola's Spirito or Cadenza

-F.M. Acoustics 255 or 266

I had only the oportunity to compare Jadis JP80 MC with Audio Research Ref 3 ... the last one had no chance!

I have heard the Criterion (beautifull) and Viola's Cadenza (incredible precision) but on different days in diferent systems ... I have never heard F.M.

Have you had the possibility to compare these models ?
which other one would you add to the list ?
clavil
roysen
68 posts
 
I would say that the FM 266 is easily the best of the mentioned candidates. It is so musical yet detailed and lacks absolutely nothing in its rich presentation.
pedrillo
560 posts
 
Nice thread, I hope it recieves more inputs no pun intended.
dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
Roysen, my belief is that there is no best just different and what one prefers in their specific set-up.
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
Among the few very best preamps I suggest you might add the new Viva Linea from Viva Audio and Lyra Connoisseur.
For me these 2 with Jadis and Kondo Japan are the top5 but different flavors.

The more neutral and more compatible of them all are the Viva and Lyra.
bobheinatz
705 posts
 
I have owned the Joule Electra LA 300ME for the past year+ and my search for a great preamp is over. How does it compare to the above mentioned preamps, I can't tell you. I have compared the LA 300ME to some other high priced pres and for my ear the JE would be hard to beat IMHO.
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