2. amps-preamps
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What is the single best pre amp you have ever hear

I am not here to sell anything. I am a speaker manufacturer and had the opportunity to show at Capital Audio Fest with David Berning. David is an amazing man whom I respect greatly Even more amazing are his electronics. I heard his ZOTL ZH-30 amplifier and concluded it was the best sounding mid powered amp I have ever heard regardless of price. By best I mean able to play all types of music well. Back to preamps. Some preamps add this or that or sound euphoric or slow the tempo of music. This only shows up as you play other types of music At the show I was totally spoiled by the ZOTL Pre one preamp honesty. I thought it had the best timing and speed of transistor and musicality of tubes of anything I have heard to date. I would have to say it is on my top three list of best sounding preamps regardless of price. It is also the least expensive, nearly half the price of the others. Please before you respond try to have a listen to this extraordinary preamp. Let me know if you agree or disagree Thanks for you opinions Ralph
128x128hi_fi_ralph
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,594 posts
 
Orpheus10, I can, but not sure if it would fall within the guidelines.
mordante
511 posts
 
Soulution 720.
rlawry
477 posts
 
Essence Jasper Reference preamp. Only 7 were made. Mine has been modded with carbon nanotubes.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
A Berning proto type tube pre-amp with a tube switching power supply with a pair of Berning prototype amps was part of a system with the closest approximation of live music I've personally heard, both precursors of the current Berning lineup which I haven't heard.
dividebytube
50 posts
 
the preamplifier nut is one of the hardest to crack.

I really enjoyed my Threshold FET-10/HL linestage - though a little dark, it never got in the way of the music. The matching -10/PC phono preamp was good, but I've heard better.

I'm now running a Quicksilver full-function and found it's a good balance between musicality and audiophile tricks 'n' treats. Sure, I've heard more transparent/detailed gear, but the Quicksilver is a non-fatiguing good 'all-rounder'. Perhaps once I've upgraded my front end I'll check out some better units.
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