Luxman C-02 vs NAD 1155

[Alkeys]

I'm going to look at some preamps tomorrow to mate with a Rotel power amp of mine.

The two I'm looking at are the Luxman C-02 and the NAD 1155.
I have the opportunity to buy both locally at a shop. I'll listen to both but are there any thoughts you guys have on which you'd go for?

The only one I've heard before is the 1155 which I always thought sounded airy but a bit dark. The only experience I have with Luxman is an integrated I used to have the L80V which was great.

Any opinions on which is a better sounding preamp?

Thanks and I appreciate all your input.

 

[Damage]

Off the top of my head I would say to get the Luxman. I have one and it's a very nice preamp. That said.... it also seems pretty lifeless. Something about it just doesn't seem to really reach out and grab me regardless of the amp hooked up to it.

I currently use an NAD 116. Pretty much an under the radar piece aimed at audiophiles. Very clean and it has balanced outputs. Somehow, I doubt the NAD1155 approaches this level of performance.

That all said. I would probably go out of the way and buy both and sell the one you don't like. Like any other piece in your system, you have to find the one that suits you.

 

[megasat16]

I can't tell you about NAD 1155 but I got C-02. It's a great piece and very nice sounding pre. Get Luxman if it is the same price.

 

[audiozaz]

I'm a bit biased here, but aren't opinions supposed to be?

Go with the Luxman, all else being equal (price, condition...)

az