Hi and sorry to resurrect an old but extremely interesting thread. I have a question.
When you say best are you referring to measurements or sound quality ? sorry for asking. No provokation intended, i am really curious about top quality preamps of the 70s-80s.
I think maybe wrongly that good solid state preamps are less common than good solid state power amps. I dont know why by the way.
Any other suggestion of top quality SS line stage would be welcomed and much appreciated.
Thank you very much indeed.
Kind regards, gino
I meant sonically since I have not done measurements (yet) as above; but I am pretty confident that the L-1000C measures best as well.
However, as opposed to the L-07CII, the L-1000C is not a fully solid state pre-amp; it is also using a number of IC (integrated circuits)
Nothing wrong with that by the way, when done properly like in the L-1000C.
If you want to know about alternative decent solid state pre-amps, then JVC P-L10 or some of the P-3xx series from Onkyo come to my mind (P-388F being tops).
The Yamaha C-2/C-2a/C-2x are overrated in my opinion; but some are religious about as it is associated to the famous B-1 and B-2 amps.
Anyway, for vintage Yamaha collectors, they have no other option. Yamaha has been particularly lean in the 70's/80's with releasing quality pre-amps (as opposed to Sony)
You can never go wrong with a Sony TA-E86 or E88, or TA-E901, or TA-ER1 (and the list goes on.....).
Single weak point with Sony pre-amps is often their volume pot; it was very high (best) quality (sometimes even specially custom made for Sony), but the wipers are too fragile and age badly.
I own all of the above..... and know this issue well (not limited to Sony though)
For an experienced DIYer not really to panic, but it complicates your ownership if you are not into serious rebuilding vintage gear (i.e. depending on remote specialists to help you out)
Which is one of the strong L-07C(II) points: a stepped attenuator
Should last for life (with occasional cleaning).