• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

What Is Your Favorite Pre-Amp?

if you are into headfones, keep your eyes peeled for a melos sha-gold-r preamp. (or sha-3 if into minimalism.) besides being one of the best preamps around (imo), these have headfone amps built-in that are almost universally acknowledged as one of the best (if not *the* best) headfone amps ever made...

doug s.

influx said:
Thank you, Thank you! This thread couldn't have been more timely! 'cause that's where my xmas loot is going. Thanks for the reviews guys and keep 'em coming :yes: . Shopping for headphones as well so I'll throw that into the mix as well. Pre's with variable phone control, maybe separate amp circuit perhaps?

BTW Happy New Year to all :music:
Click to expand...
 
nbourbaki - How do you like your Parasound Halo gear?

I've been checking out a Halo pre/power combo - I don't recall model numbers but they are current stereo units. About 135 WPC IIRC. They sounded VERY sweet and detailed running little Quad speakers. The Two of the more senior sales guys at that shop claim they out-perform the used Mac gear they have. One guy was even bold enough to claim it smoked some Krell gear he A/B'd it with, which allegedly P.O.'d the guy who spent big bucks on the Krell because he agreed it was out-classed. I found all of this pretty hard to swallow for an $800 unit, so I'm curious whether any of this sounds very likely to you, to any ears looking for accuracy in detail, harmonics, dynamics, etc.
 
I have a pristine Dynaco PAT-4 which for me is a keepsake from my 1st childhood along with a pair of ST-80s, a Quadapter and a set of A-35s. I clean that preamp regularly wether or not it is in use and it has never failed to deliver. Contrary to what so many have said, it just isn't noisy, it just works if you leave it flat and don't f**k with the tone controls:nono: . My .02Cdn.
 
Second time today that my post didn't register.

Have had several decent ss preamps over the years (C-28, Hafler and Apt Holman loaners when the C-28 broke down (frequently until I sold it to a friend 20 years ago), Luxman 5C50, and my present B&K Pro10mc). However, I have always wanted a nice tube preamp and asked my high-end audio salesman former neighbor for recommendations. Although I have never heard either one over the years, my former neighbor always advised me to be on the look out for an Audio Research SP-3A or SP-12. He had a ss Classe preamp in the late 80s/early 90s.

My college roommate/long time friend has had a Levinson ML-1 since the late '70s that still sounds really nice. However, its epoxy filled, black box phono section that is customized for EMT low output MC cartridges just died after almost 30 years. Otherwise, the ML-1 is the best I've heard. Spectral preamps have also sounded mighty good at dealers but are mighty $$$$$.
 
john_w said:
nbourbaki - How do you like your Parasound Halo gear?

I've been checking out a Halo pre/power combo - I don't recall model numbers but they are current stereo units. About 135 WPC IIRC. They sounded VERY sweet and detailed running little Quad speakers. The Two of the more senior sales guys at that shop claim they out-perform the used Mac gear they have. One guy was even bold enough to claim it smoked some Krell gear he A/B'd it with, which allegedly P.O.'d the guy who spent big bucks on the Krell because he agreed it was out-classed. I found all of this pretty hard to swallow for an $800 unit, so I'm curious whether any of this sounds very likely to you, to any ears looking for accuracy in detail, harmonics, dynamics, etc.
Click to expand...

I have the Halo A51 and I love it. I'm driving Paradigm Ref 60's in the front and 20's in the back. It sounded better to me than the Anthem Statement P5, Rotel RB-1091 (digital amps), Channel Island D-200 (Digtal amps), NuForce 9 SE (Digtal Amps) and an amp from Primare (don't remember the model number). The Halo is neutral from top to bottom and very dynamic. They have better grip on the woofers than the much reviered NuForce.
 
Currently I would have to say my favorite pre is the Kenwood C2 . . . simply because of their phono stage. Ability to do both MC and MM with variable sensativities (2 for MC, 3 for MM) There are many other features that make this a must see, but if two channel is your goal, you better consider what this unit has to offer.

I have had two C2 pre-amps before, and I must say, that I have become more impressed since I got my latest C2's about 6 months ago. It is crystal clear on MC, and all the other inputs are dead silent!!! One of bonuses to this unit is that it has two pre outs. . . one for your main amp, and a second output for a sub if you so desire. And regarding using your headphones, there is a separate control for volume to this output. As I have said . . . it is very versitile and one to strongly consider based on your requirements.

Which ever pre you decide on, make sure the the input and output voltage match up as close as possible. Even a small variation can ruin your day.

B'roo
 
Greetings Clairtonelab,

Please read my post to 'Treserious' regarding my search for information, particulary a schematic diagramme or technical manual, for any Clairtone machine.

foreigner

Montreal
2007-01-28
 
Although my Spec 1 is the most tactile and nicest to look at (sounds great too!), the best preamp I've ever owned is my Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid tube pre. It is just so clean, clear, and smooth. The difference between it and most preamps I have owned is like looking at the sound through a clear window....and then, removing the window all together. Simply amazing...
 
Technics Proline Components

clairtonelab said:
Crexrun, nice looking Technics. I've never seen this line. Must have been high end Technics. Very cool laboratory style design. What year?
Click to expand...

I sold them in the mid seventies 76-78 The proline was an adventure into High End for Technics with outstanding built quality and great specs. Pure and analytical sound as I remember. They were going after a lab sound and got it. The Yamaha's of the time were much warmer sounding, but the proline setup with the right speakers was as clean and detailed as anything you could get out of Japan at the time. IMHO. BTW they were very expensive components for that time. The pricing stated is in the right range.
Hope this helps,
Jim
 
My favorite would have to be my Amber 17, no tone controls, very dynamic and clean. I'm going to give it a rebuild this summer, and while it is out, it will be replaced by a Marantz 3800.
Mac C28 would have been my favorite, but for the incredibly crappy volume pot on what is otherwise one of the best vintage pre-amps ever.
 
Mwahahahaha......Just to stir the pot: Heathkit AP-1800! The Spec 1 killer:D
Stir,Stir,Stir,Stir....................
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom