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Recommendation on Preamp

Leokarma

Leokarma

Well-Known Member
I have been trying to get my system perfected for a long time (last 30 years) but just like all of us on this forum, I think that there is always some room. My current main system includes 3 main power amps i.e. Yamaha M-80, Bryston 4B & Emotiva XPA-2 connected to Polk RTA 15TL , EPI M201 & B&W bookself speakers. So far I'm happy with them.

I'm experimenting with some preamps and have tried Hafler 110, Parasound Halo, Kenwood C2, Yamaha c85 to name few that I like.

Now I'm seriously thinking of either going for a McIntosh solid state pre-amplifier (one of C-30, C-32, C-33) OR go with non McIntosh Tube preamp in the same price range.

My question is:

1) Will there be major sound improvement if I go with McIntoch Solid state preamp as compare to what I have listed above ?

2) McIntosh SS Vs other Tube preamp. Which would be better ? Is there a major difference in sound between the two ?
 
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Answers:
1. Maybe, maybe not. it depends on the speakers, room and associated gear.
2. IMO yes.
 
I have a Hafler DH-110 in the closet as the spare in case my ARC SP-9MKIII goes belly up. Need I say more?
 
What do you need out of a preamp? Simple switching and a volume control? MC cartridge stage? Cartridge loading? How many sources etc.

Lots of good stuff out there but it depends on what you have and what you wound use it for. . Do you need a DAC?

Sounds like you need something with multiple preouts
 
matteos said:
What do you need out of a preamp? Simple switching and a volume control? MC cartridge stage? Cartridge loading? How many sources etc.

Lots of good stuff out there but it depends on what you have and what you wound use it for. . Do you need a DAC?

Sounds like you need something with multiple preouts
Click to expand...

Thanks.
Yes I definitely need multiple inputs including a good Phono stage. Multiple pre-out OR DAC is not mandatory but DAC input will be preferred as I have CD player with optical output.
 
I've been very happy with my preamp. Consequently I use an external DAC. Besides, it supports my separates fetish.
 
JoeESP9 said:
I have a Hafler DH-110 in the closet as the spare in case my ARC SP-9MKIII goes belly up. Need I say more?
Click to expand...

The Hafler has a very well respected phono stage in terms of "bang for the buck". I know people that own them just to use them as a phono pre.
 
Yeah. I bought it new as a kit. I think it sounds quite good. Of course, IMO it's not in the same league as my ARC SP-9. However, that doesn't stop it from being my backup. So for me it isn't SS vs. tube, it's SS (DH-110) vs. hybrid (SP-9).
 
Frankly I am not too impressed with Hafler 110 and find it no different than most of the other preamp referred above. That's the reason i'm here so that you guys can advise.

So SP 9 seems to be a good preamp. If I have to pick between SP9 and McIntosh (C-30, C32 / C33) which one would you guys recommend ?

Is there a good tube preamp @ $500~600 range that have 3~4 inputs?
 
You say you're not impressed with the DH-110. Well, as I said, it's my backup. I'm biased considering that I own an ARC SP-9. However, neither an SP-9 or any comparable Mc preamp is available for <$600.
 
JoeESP9 said:
You say you're not impressed with the DH-110. Well, as I said, it's my backup. I'm biased considering that I own an ARC SP-9. However, neither an SP-9 or any comparable Mc preamp is available for <$600.
Click to expand...

OK. I was asking about good Tube pre-amp for around $600.
 
There are any number of preamps that are within your budget. However, none of them are McIntosh. What do you think of Jolida?
 
JoeESP9 said:
There are any number of preamps that are within your budget. However, none of them are McIntosh. What do you think of Jolida?
Click to expand...

Frankly I have no experience on Tube preamp. I was SS all my life but now want to venture into Tube preamp. I've heard of Jolida on many discussions but no experience. Will this be a good starting point ?
 
It's at least as good as any other and better than some. Give one a try. You should have no problem unloading it if you don't like it.
 
I like the Parasound Halo products better than most McIntosh solid state preamps & amps.

As to tube preamps in the $600'ish range, you can sometimes find a Conrad Johnson PV10 or PV10A in that range. Maybe for just a bit more. Nice tube preamp, I tend to like the PV10A a bit more but they are very similar in sound. Don't get a PV10AL as it lacks a phono stage.
 
when i put my ARC sp3a1 into my system, i never looked back at the adcom gfp565. what you need in a preamp is transparency. the line stage is the HEART of the audio system. so jolida, cj, vtl, arc, whichever, tubes in the preamp will make your system, even with a ss amp such as my adcom 555II.
 
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