What Is Your Favorite Pre-Amp?
- Thread starter Retro Stereo
- Start date
Elroy
was here.
As mentioned by "Yamaha B-2" in this forum I would really like to check out the Yamaha C-2x but have never been able to get my paws on one either. BUT I do have a Yamaha C-2a which was the version previous to the C-2X (and after the C-2) and I just LOVE this preamp. All 3 of these preamps were all TOTL STATEMENT PIECES with the C-2x being the culmination of the series. Check out the photos of the unit. The design philosopy was to deliver the audio signal simply and unmolested- as complete and pure as possible to the outputs all in a uncompromising build quality of both the chassis and the circuitry. I have enjoyed a certain hint of a tube like warmth which is only VERY subtle and a complete and honest conveyance of the music signal fed into it. Personally, I REALLY like the way the Yamaha engineers chose to structure the tone controls (the audible frequency curve). I am one of those guys who likes the lows to be more pronounced and the C-2a just delivers a beautiful life like bass with no bomminess. There is no such thing as harshness with this preamp. I have tried a lot of preamps and have landed here- the only one I would love to try otherwise is the C-2x. Oh yeah, I should mention that I mate this preamp with a Yamaha B-2x amplifier and the marriage is PERFECT!
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Actually, it is the CX-1 that is the TOTL from this period (~'93) and the CX-2 is the next one down the list (MRSP CX-1/2 was $1200/$800). They do share a common owner's manual, which can be downloaded here: http://www.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/index.php
Ha, ha, ha.........see you caught your typo between the AK notification and my post. Your earlier CX-2 was incorrect, but the edited C-2x is now correct. Three TOTLs in a row (C-2, C-2a, C-2x). Wish we still had the 'delete' function on our posts.
Ha, ha, ha.........see you caught your typo between the AK notification and my post. Your earlier CX-2 was incorrect, but the edited C-2x is now correct. Three TOTLs in a row (C-2, C-2a, C-2x). Wish we still had the 'delete' function on our posts.
Elroy
was here.
I have seriously considered sending it off for mods and refurbishment of the caps by these guys: http://www.componentplususa.com/pages/preamp.html I think if I were to do that nothing could best it! Anybody had any experience with them? (Sorry to get off the topic of the thread a little- just private e-mail if you have had any experience with them and care to share it with me- THANKS)
With Terry DeWick (see his banner ad at the bottom of this page) located just down the street from you (also in Knoxville), I can't imagine why you would send this unit out of town. I wish Terry or EW or dr*audio or Punker X lived locally to me. BTW - Joseph Chow is quite a controversial figure. He has a fair amount of 'comment' about his ideas and work on the FM Tuner Forum.Elroy said:
Elroy
was here.
Exactly the sort of feedback I was looking for! Thanks.
This is true. Terry is a friend of mine and I have definately enjoyed his expertise MANY times. In this case however, because Terry is rather swamped and because I thought this Mr. Chow seems to passionately specialize if this specific mod I thought I might consider his services. But I have by no means made a final decision- precisely why I solicited feedback.
Toasted Almond
RIP 1952-2016
I've had a lot of preamps down through time. I don't know which I liked the best. Sentimentally, maybe it was the first one, a Carver C-2. After that came the Carver C-1. Used that for a long time. In use around here now is APT "Holman" preamp in one rig, and Carver C-19 in the other. I have a Carver C-16 in storage in case either one fails.
I thought the Hafler DH-110 sounded okay, as well as the NAD 1020. There's an Onkyo P-306RS around here somewhere as well. The Dynaco preamps were all okay I guess. PAT-4 WAS a little transistor sounding I guess. Never liked the Yamaha or Sansui preamps that came through here enough to keep. Marantz Esotec that I sold to Shain was okay too.
I thought the Hafler DH-110 sounded okay, as well as the NAD 1020. There's an Onkyo P-306RS around here somewhere as well. The Dynaco preamps were all okay I guess. PAT-4 WAS a little transistor sounding I guess. Never liked the Yamaha or Sansui preamps that came through here enough to keep. Marantz Esotec that I sold to Shain was okay too.
Toasted Almond
RIP 1952-2016
A man can never have too many power amps as well eh Elroy?
influx
Electronica Rehabilitatus
Thank you, Thank you! This thread couldn't have been more timely! 'cause that's where my xmas loot is going. Thanks for the reviews guys and keep 'em coming :yes: . Shopping for headphones as well so I'll throw that into the mix as well. Pre's with variable phone control, maybe separate amp circuit perhaps?
BTW Happy New Year to all
BTW Happy New Year to all