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Preamp Issues - Need a Little Help

D

Decibel_116

AK Subscriber
So I recently acquired a set of Thiel CS3.5 speakers and had them brought back up to factory performance by Theil. I am using one of the new Crown DriveCore series amps to drive them with and it sounds fantastic. Up until just a few hours ago, I was using a Denon PRA-1000 preamp with an Onkyo SACD/DVD-Audio/CD player and Technics SL-1200M3D with a Denon DL-301mkII and a Shure V15 Type IV cartridge. For the past couple of days, I have been enjoying this setup immensely. Then a few minutes ago, the right channel started dropping out and I narrowed it down to the selector switch on the Denon PRA-1000. Bummer. I had one of the Kenwood Basic C2 preamps hanging around, so I replaced the Denon with the Kenwood so I could continue my listening session. The problem is, the detailed, airy sound went away with the Kenwood. I have always heard good things about the Kenwood preamp, but I am hearing a HUGE difference in SQ between the Denon and the Kenwood. The question for you find folks is this: Is there really that much of a difference in SQ between these two, or do I have issues with the Kenwood as well (like maybe needing to be re-capped)? Until I can get the Denon repaired, can someone recommend a good preamp (new or vintage) that will take advantage of the Thiels super detailed capabilities? I have looked around on the 'Bay and found some Adcom, Rotel, and the like for reasonable prices, but I have no idea the performance level of these. Sorry about the long post and thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers,
David
 
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Before you run out and buy another preamp, and pay a tech to work on the Denon, invest in a can of DeOxit and try cleaning the selector switch--this may take care of your issue.
 
Decibel_116 said:
So I recently acquired a set of Thiel CS3.5 speakers and had them brought back up to factory performance by Theil. I am using one of the new Crown DriveCore series amps to drive them with and it sounds fantastic. Up until just a few hours ago, I was using a Denon PRA-1000 preamp with an Onkyo SACD/DVD-Audio/CD player and Technics SL-1200M3D with a Denon DL-301mkII and a Shure V15 Type IV cartridge. For the past couple of days, I have been enjoying this setup immensely. Then a few minutes ago, the right channel started dropping out and I narrowed it down to the selector switch on the Denon PRA-1000. Bummer. I had one of the Kenwood Basic C2 preamps hanging around, so I replaced the Denon with the Kenwood so I could continue my listening session. The problem is, the detailed, airy sound went away with the Kenwood. I have always heard good things about the Kenwood preamp, but I am hearing a HUGE difference in SQ between the Denon and the Kenwood. The question for you find folks is this: Is there really that much of a difference in SQ between these two, or do I have issues with the Kenwood as well (like maybe needing to be re-capped)? Until I can get the Denon repaired, can someone recommend a good preamp (new or vintage) that will take advantage of the Thiels super detailed capabilities? I have looked around on the 'Bay and found some Adcom, Rotel, and the like for reasonable prices, but I have no idea the performance level of these. Sorry about the long post and thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers,
David
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Obviously there is a difference if you are hearing one. As far as replacing goes are you looking to replace the denon sound or upgrade. What are the sound qualities you like about the denon? Most if not all preamps have a "signiture" sound and vary greatly, deside first on what you like about the denon than ask the question within those parameters. I have had (literally ) dozens of pre's in the search for the "right" sound for me, but desiding on what I liked was determined by what I had heard at that point. So think carefully about the denon charicteristics ask what pre's have those charicteristics.
 
It's difficult to describe the difference I am hearing except that the Kenwood sounded like I put blankets over the speakers and the dynamics disappeared. Also, the Denon sounds much "faster". Does that help?
 
Don't look at adcom at least below the 750 (haven't had my ears on that one) all the lesser ones I have had and I found them slow and muddy in the bass and hard in the highs ( no offense to those who have them just my expierance ) you are describing a neutral sounding sound with a lot of detail. ( best I can tell from your description ) that's what I like and a class A Preamp would be a very good upgrade. Don't know your budget but if your patient and persistent (and lucky) you can get a vintage high quality class A in the 4/6 hundo range. I did! And never looked back. Admittedly I was lucky as well!
 
2chman said:
Don't look at adcom at least below the 750 (haven't had my ears on that one) all the lesser ones I have had and I found them slow and muddy in the bass and hard in the highs ( no offense to those who have them just my expierance ) you are describing a neutral sounding sound with a lot of detail. ( best I can tell from your description ) that's what I like and a class A Preamp would be a very good upgrade. Don't know your budget but if your patient and persistent (and lucky) you can get a vintage high quality class A in the 4/6 hundo range. I did! And never looked back. Admittedly I was lucky as well!
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Great information! Thank you. That sounds exactly like what I need. What are you running for a preamp if you don't mind my asking and are there others you recommend.
Thanks again!
-David
 
I was fortunate and fell into a Perreaux sa33. Didn't know to much about it but it was recommended by a friend and it turned out to be a great preamp. Recommend anything by them not that I've learned about them. First class equipment.
 
What is your opinion on the Emotiva USP-1? Also, when you refer to a Class A preamp, you are talking about the amplifier design being of class a design vs. class a/b, correct?
 
My suggestion would be to get the Denon serviced and use the Kenwood while it is in the shop. I have had both the 1100 and 2500 pre's and agree, that their quite a step up anything else that I have used. The 2500 I wish I had kept and was paired with a denon POA 2200 amp, great pair. I had the 2500 for a while and paired it with various amps, always thought it sounded great. Traded for an SX-1250 and some cash.
 
Decibel_116 said:
What is your opinion on the Emotiva USP-1? Also, when you refer to a Class A preamp, you are talking about the amplifier design being of class a design vs. class a/b, correct?
Click to expand...
For the money the Emo is amazing. I own one. I also own an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A. The Emo isn't in the same league, but for the money, it is very respectable.
 
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