Preamp possibles for system...


I am currently using a Belles 21A auricap but have been itching to try something else for possible system improvements. The amp is a T-hold S/500 ll with an Arcam CD23 and Polk SDA-2's with RDO-194 tweets. All IC's/PC's are Morrow Level 3/4. My 22'x35' listening environment is slightly harsh with wood floors and a fair amount of glass. Musical taste is quite varied at moderate volumes.

In general, I feel the base or low level frequencies are a bit forward but not crisply defined. Also the high frquencies seem somewhat constrained or maybe rolling off early...using others terminology I have read. Almost as if the singers are behind the band. Not always, but on enough recording's I notice it.

My previous amp was a Nak 7. Everything else staying the same, I recently switched to the T-hold S/500. I literally would have wrote an exact opposit review of the systems traits critiquing it with the Nak. I was certainly surprised...in a VERY good way.

I have read that the T-hold amps liked certain pre's. Here is a list I have gleaned from some research. I have not seen all of these available, so some maybe out of the question. I would be gratefull for any input to try and target my continued refinement.

Sonic Frontiers line 3
Aestetic Calypso
Audio research LS25 mk1 or 2
Modwright 9.0se
Klyne 7

mlo97
The Klyne has some interesting Design solutions which can make life pretty good
- 2 separate Gain knobs (for each channel), this feature allows the owner to match it to any connected amp (or you can use it for sources, too)
- some say, sonically it closes the gap between Transistor / Tube sound
- reliable
- external power supply
- it can be ordered with internal Phono Stage when you want to listen to Vinyl one day
I too will through my opinion behind Ayre products. Although I ended up purchasing the latest C5 model I did bring home the C7 and thought they were both as natural sounding as anything I've heard, including analog.
What 12AU7 tubes are you running in your 21A? I had the same pre-amp, and have rolled quite a few NOS tubes in it with fairly dramatic results.
I would like to extend "Thanks" to everyone who took the time to respond. The info has given me both something to ponder for a sense of system direction along with items to keep an eye for and contiune research on.

Bigshutterbug...I am using the original Mullard's currently. One of my reservation with the 21A has been comments associated with it not matching the Threshold impedences well. It truly tamed my previous Nak 7 compared to a Rotel pre I had used originally. I have been using it very happily until recently adding more and varied music and also moving into a larger home.
Ml097;
You might want to try replacing the Mullards with a pair of Amperex Holland 1960's 12AU7's. The Mullards are warm and rich 12AU7s with sweet highs, where the Amperex 12AU7s
are faster, more lively and energetic, with more extended highs and a tighter, more defined bass. Give some a try...