Preamp for Yamaha B-1 amp and NS-1000 speakers...

[elrod]

Building my system with a Yamaha B-1 amp and NS-1000 speakers. Would like to possibly get the C-1 or C-2x preamp for it, but the scarcity of these items may make it tough. I do have a C-85 preamp I could use.

To my question - what non Yamaha preamp, SS or tube, would be a great compliment to the B-1 & NS-1000, and could be considered equivalent/better "sounding" pre than the C-1 or C-2x?

It can be a basic amp. Only need a couple inputs. The phono stage is unimportant to me - I actually don't even need one.

For someone who doesn't really know anything about tube amps, is a tube preamp a good way to enter the tube world? My initial instinct is to stick with SS, but I am considering expanding my horizons

I'd like the price to be less than what is considered fair value for the C-1

Thanks!

 

[JoeESP9]

Audition a used Conrad Johnson preamp. You won't be disappointed.

 

[theophile]

elrod,investigate the Dave Slagle transformer preamp.

http://www.intactaudio.com/atten.html

 

[elrod]

elrod,investigate the Dave Slagle transformer preamp.

http://www.intactaudio.com/atten.html

Does anyone have any 1st had experience with the transformer/autoformer volume control? What I've read is that they have a real spacious/open/clean sound and great separation, but that they can sound a little cold. Could the B-1 offset some of that coldness if that's the case?

The Conrad-Johnson sounds interesting also. Any recommendations on which model? With the B-1 having a tube-like sound, could/should I look for tube amp which may not be of the warmest flavor to keep a good balance?

 

[Portkula]

Building my system with a Yamaha B-1 amp and NS-1000 speakers.
…I do have a C-85 preamp I could use.

1. The choice of a preamp per se is not defined by speakers. Anyway, real resulting system spectrum management needs appropriate multiband equalizers, not a preamp’s bass and treble knobs. Though your Yamaha C-85 preamp has rather advanced bass and treble management facilities.

2. You say you already have Yamaha C-85 preamp you “could use”. Then why not to use it, with its excellent technical characteristics? Is it out of order? But you say you “could use” it. Then why not? By what reason?

…is a tube preamp a good way to enter the tube world? My initial instinct is to stick with SS, but I am considering expanding my horizons

“Entering the tube world” is “expanding horizons”? If it’s your conviction, then you have your full right to it.

If you ask for opinions, mine is “no”.

 

[elrod]

1. The choice of a preamp per se is not defined by speakers. Anyway, real resulting system spectrum management needs appropriate multiband equalizers, not a preamp’s bass and treble knobs. Though your Yamaha C-85 preamp has rather advanced bass and treble management facilities.

2. You say you already have Yamaha C-85 preamp you “could use”. Then why not to use it, with its excellent technical characteristics? Is it out of order? But you say you “could use” it. Then why not? By what reason?

“Entering the tube world” is “expanding horizons”? If it’s your conviction, then you have your full right to it.

If you ask for opinions, mine is “no”.

I currently don't have this system up and running.I've actually have never head it yet. both C-85 & B-1 will be in restoration before I can hook everything up the first time. My point is with C-85>B-1>NS1000 running, If I choose to want to upgrade the preamp after I've listened to it, I want the upgrade to be noticeable,so I was thinking of exploring the world of Tube preamps and what Tube/SS preamp would have good synergy with the B1 & NS-1000's

 

[Portkula]

If I choose to want to upgrade the preamp

Well, as it's an exchange of views here, what are the objective characteristics you want to be of higher level than in your C-85?

upgrade the preamp after I've listened to it

Well, my opinion: there is nothing to listen to in professionally designed and manufactured excellent quality preamps, they have no “sound”, they only faithfully treat input signals.

Tube/SS preamp would have good synergy with the B1 & NS-1000's

In my opinion, there is no “synergy” between professionally designed and manufactured excellent quality preamps and power amps, but correct interconnection parameters. They are independent components with their quality characteristics and possibilities. The preamp must be able to send signals to the power amp of amplitudes sufficient for its sensitivity. The proper “load resistances of professionally designed preamps / input resistances of professionally designed power amps” ratios are standardized and respected by professional designers.

 

[JoeESP9]

I'm of the group that thinks different preamps sound different. That's why I suggested listening to a Conrad Johnson. If after an audition in your system you don't hear a difference you can save some money and buy something less expensive.

I'm interested in hearing the results of any auditioning of preamps that you do. Listening for yourself is the only way to be sure. Satisfy your ears. What anyone else says is just opinion. Audition gear and decide for yourself.

 

[elrod]

Yeah that's part of my conundrum - I'm not really sure what sound I will like best- Tube>SS, Tube>Tube, SS>Tube, SS>SS. But isn't that part of the fun, the discovery?

All my familiarity is SS>SS. With the B-1 being thought of as "tube-like" with speed and power, the NS-1000 being as accurate and detailed as they are (which I do like) To me the area I really need to focus on is which Preamp I feel meshes best with them.

What will it sound like with my C-85? I have no idea! I may fall in love with it and never want to change - or not.

Being I don't know what are considered the higher quality tube amps, that's why I'm asking about what tube preamps fellow AKr's may be considered equal or better "sound" of the C-1, C-2x. Why I chose those two as a reference? Because they seem to have rave support from the SS enthusiast here at AK. Whichever preamps I check I'd l like them to be from what is considered the same tier. I'm not looking for the super high tier. The cheaper I can find something I REALLY like, the better

Portkula, While I agree with you on what the technical goal of a preamp is, IMHO that goal is somewhat, if not impossible to obtain - mainly because no one knows what that should sound like, and it can sound different to each listener.

Plus I'm not sure if that is my ultimate goal - perfect reproduction. That being said, I'm not looking for something highly colored and distorted either. Suppose you can say I'm looking for realistic & pleasing.

Thank you for your suggestions Joe. I was also looking into the AR's also. I agree with your thought that preamps (as well as amps IMO) do sound different.

I also feel that some equipment sounds wonderful together and some awful together. Thank you for your opinion Portkula, but we just differ on that, that's all

It probably won't be till Aug/Sept until I get the C-85/B-1 broke in so it's going to be awhile before I make a decision on what preamps I may want to check out. Just doing some preliminary research...

Thanks to all for input so far!

 

[just dave]

From what I hear you could hook up a transistor radio to those ns-1000 and they'd sound good.Gotta get me a pair.

 

[stoutblock]

The C-85 is a great preamp. Hook it up and see what you think.

 

[specialidiot]

I have a C-2x feeding my B-2, and no it isn't for sale. They come up from time to time though.

I also have my highly modified Bottlehead Foreplay on the B-2's other input, and it sounds fantastic.

I'd be tempted to buy a Juicy Music Blueberry or Blueberry Extreme if I could find one.