What High End PreAmp do you have?

[Tom Bombadil]

I don't own any preamp which I would consider to be "high end." I've listened to high end models and have yet to be convinced that they would enhance my system in a way commiserate with their price. I do own an older Conrad-Johnson PV10A, which I believe listed at nearly $1500 at the end of its run. And a Panor Dynaco PAS-4 tube preamp, which listed at $995 in the mid-1990s. I replaced the Panor's stock Sovtek 6DJ8 tubes with Amperex JAN 7308s, which would have pushed up its price a bit. I do like both of them and switch them between my main and my secondary systems.

I also own a Purest Sound System PSS-500 passive volume control / switchbox. Very simple device, consisting of high quality Cardas RCA jacks, point to point wired with Kimber cables and silver-soldered to a toggle switch (same brand as used in ARC preamps) and then each channel into an Alps mono pot. My DAC output produces almost 3V, which is far more than sufficient to drive my power amp into clipping. I've brought in higher end SS preamps but have yet to hear one which improves any aspect of my system over using the PSS-500.

I've owned each of these units for at least 15 years and am still quite happy and content with them.

 

[ken02766]

My audio research line amp..

 

[chaskelljr63]

Adcom GFP-750 Active/Passive Line Stage (with Balanced Inputs and Outputs, and designed by Nelson Pass. Formerly Rated Class A in Stereophile in Late 1990's -- High-End Performance and Sound at a Mid-Fi Price -- Purchased in 1999) -- $1,295.00 (1999).

PS Audio GCPH Phono Stage (Phono Preamplifier with Balanced Outputs -- Purchased in 2010) -- $1,000.00 (2010).

--Charles--

 

[Valveglow]

"High end" is a very relative term, and becoming increasingly so with $50K (or 600K for that matter) components.

Sonic Frontiers Line 2 SE+

Audio Research SP16L

Audio Research LS1

Audio Research PH3 Phono Pre

 

[E-Stat]

"High end" is a very relative term, and becoming increasingly so with $50K (or 600K for that matter) components.

It is. Wouldn't having a REF10 and REF Phono be wonderful? I confess that I find that most anything made by Audio Research falls into the category. My first experience was hearing an SP-3a in my system in high school back in '74!

I also own two ARC preamps, an SP20 and SP9 MKIII (LS1 plus phono stage and slightly nicer coupling caps). I've heard the SF is also very nice if not being infamous for munching tubes. That is the only preamp in my experience that Kevin Deal specifically calls out to NOT use expensive NOS tubes. I trust you use rugged Electro Harmonix 6922EHs?

 

[Tom Bombadil]

"High end" is a very relative term, and becoming increasingly so with $50K (or 600K for that matter) components.

The 2014 Stereophile Recommended Components list of Class A preamps contains only one that sells for less than $3500, and that one is a passive.

As it contains 4 more which sell from $4000 to $5000, I'd say their definition of a "high end" preamp would start at no less than $3000.

 

[SoCal Sam]

Accuphase C-200
Marantz 3650
Kenwood L-07C
Kenwood 700C
Sony TA-E90ES
Onkyo PR-SC886

 

[Frank Sol]

Does a Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 refub & upgraded by pcX count as 'High End' ?

I really dont know anymore

 

[sqlsavior]

The 2014 Stereophile Recommended Components list of Class A preamps contains only one that sells for less than $3500, and that one is a passive.

As it contains 4 more which sell from $4000 to $5000, I'd say their definition of a "high end" preamp would start at no less than $3000.

The definition of high-end is indeed relative. Mine would be more expansive, and include anything that was once considered high-end, successfully modded mid-fi, and basically any separates except bad ones (the kind the NAD 3020 were said to put to shame, whatever they were), qualify. I guess because when I had an Apt-Holman and a Hafler DH-220, I thought I had hi-fi, and still do, even though I've moved on. I realize hi-fi <> hi-end, but I'd say all of Tom's preamps qualify (having heard none of them )

The definition of pre-amp is relative, too. I wouldn't dismiss the cheapest Stereophile Class A preamp because it's passive. I have its relative, and would call the sound high-end. The price sure isn't, though.

I certainly am curious about pricier preamps, however.

 

[Valveglow]

It is. Wouldn't having a REF10 and REF Phono be wonderful? I confess that I find that most anything made by Audio Research falls into the category. My first experience was hearing an SP-3a in my system in high school back in '74!

I also own two ARC preamps, an SP20 and SP9 MKIII (LS1 plus phono stage and slightly nicer coupling caps). I've heard the SF is also very nice if not being infamous for munching tubes. That is the only preamp in my experience that Kevin Deal specifically calls out to NOT use expensive NOS tubes. I trust you use rugged Electro Harmonix 6922EHs?

The LS1 also has a "Direct" switch bypassing much of the circuitry.

In fact, I've heard repeatedly that the SF components are very easy on tubes, and they last a long time. This unit is running the NOS Russian 6H23P-EB (same as 6N23P-EV) tubes which are considered a significant upgrade from the EH 6922 tubes. These will work in all 6DJ8 / 6922 / E88CC applications and are also recommended for units that are reported to eat tubes such as the Audible Illusions pre, etc. Among other things, the tube sounds extended at both extremes with no excessive brightness, and has a glorious midrange.

 

[Valveglow]

"High end" is a very relative term, and becoming increasingly so with $50K (or 600K for that matter) components.

Sonic Frontiers Line 2 SE+

Audio Research SP16L

Audio Research LS1

Audio Research PH3 Phono Pre

Does a Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 refub & upgraded by pcX count as 'High End' ?

I really dont know anymore

In my book it does! I am thinking about using my much beloved Audio research SP-16 in a good but lesser system.

 

[markdi]

What preAmp do you have ? Is HEATHKIT PRE-AMPLIFIER AP-1800 considered High End? I am looking to get one.

I asked the same question

never got a answer

 

[E-Stat]

The LS1 also has a "Direct" switch bypassing much of the circuitry.

Cool! I read the service manual and find the "direct input" in place of where the phono input is on the SP9 series which does as you say - it bypasses the balance, mode and input selector. Also, it seems the power supply has one 100 uF filter cap where later versions of the SP9 had two.

IThese will work in all 6DJ8 / 6922 / E88CC applications and are also recommended for units that are reported to eat tubes such as the Audible Illusions pre, etc.

Oops, that's the preamp I heard was tough on tubes.

 

[Valveglow]

Cool! I read the service manual and find the "direct input" in place of where the phono input is on the SP9 series which does as you say - it bypasses the balance, mode and input selector. Also, it seems the power supply has one 100 uF filter cap where later versions of the SP9 had two.


Oops, that's the preamp I heard was tough on tubes.

Early in the digital years, I believe that was supposed to be an "ultimate sound" input.

However, I would not eliminate the phono input on an SP-9, as that is it's main draw these days. The unit would lose resale value. If you are going that route, you could keep the unit for something else or sell it, and if you like AR, buy one of their newer line level preamps.

 

[E-Stat]

Early in the digital years, I believe that was supposed to be an "ultimate sound" input.

The SP10-11-14-15 also had bypass switches as well.

However, I would not eliminate the phono input on an SP-9, as that is it's main draw these days. The unit would lose resale value. If you are going that route, you could keep the unit for something else or sell it, and if you like AR, buy one of their newer line level preamps.

I have no plans to do so since I use it in the garage system today. On the other hand, that might address one issue - minimal separation through the line stage as evidenced by a somewhat narrowed soundstage presentation. Some have speculated the input switch is the villain.

The SP20 used in the main system, however, doesn't share that problem.

 

[sqlsavior]

Well, since we're well into tubes in the solid state forum, here is my other high-end preamp:

 

[E-Stat]

Well, since we're well into tubes in the solid state forum, here is my other high-end preamp:

Where would you put hybrids like the ARC LS1, SP9 and SP20?

 

[BrianLW]

This is vintage, lower end of high end. A Belles 50 preamp, which mates very well with the Belles 450 power amp I recently found on BT.

 

[E-Stat]

This is vintage, lower end of high end. A Belles 50 preamp, which mates very well with the Belles 450 power amp I recently found on BT.

I like the siimple, yet elegant design. High board quality using film caps in critical places and not a ceramic in sight!

Dave must either be enthusiastic about using a low ESR power supply or got a great deal on all those small 'lytic caps.

 

[pezzzzx]

I've got 4 Macs.
C 33
C 11
MX 110
C 220
Today my favorite is the 220