More preamp decisions
gmcman
Posts: 1,807
I keep coming around to debating another preamp. My RLD-1 is naturally an aged component but still sounds good, this is to pair with a recent Ultra Platinum DNA-1.
I want to hold out and try the BHK preamp, but for now, I'm trying to stay under the $2K mark and my search keeps bringing me to the MF M6S.
I would like the HT bypass and a remote. I also looked at some used JC-2's but they surely hold their value.
The MF gets a lot of praise here so curious to who has one and what they have compared it to.
I wanted to stick with SS but some pre's have a single or a pair of buffers, that might be fine. The DNA-1 wasn't too happy with a high-gain tube pre, sounds good, but the tube rush was too much.
This will be used with the 2.3 TL's.
All input and criticism appreciated.
I want to hold out and try the BHK preamp, but for now, I'm trying to stay under the $2K mark and my search keeps bringing me to the MF M6S.
I would like the HT bypass and a remote. I also looked at some used JC-2's but they surely hold their value.
The MF gets a lot of praise here so curious to who has one and what they have compared it to.
I wanted to stick with SS but some pre's have a single or a pair of buffers, that might be fine. The DNA-1 wasn't too happy with a high-gain tube pre, sounds good, but the tube rush was too much.
This will be used with the 2.3 TL's.
All input and criticism appreciated.
Comments
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After hearing a Pass Labs X1 pre that @nooshinjohn brought to a polkie gathering at my place, I knew I wouldnt be satisfied with my 2.3TLs until I bought one for myself. The sound is phenomenal. I have it paired with a Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5. The X1 has the HT and remote capabilities you want. You should be able to find one close to your budget.____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
Thanks, I did look into the Pass, and was aiming towards the XP-10 only because it was a bit newer, but not a deal-breaker. Hard to find the XP-10 under $2K though.
I don't know enough about the Pass preamps to make an informed decision, but I will also look into the X-1. -
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Personally I would look into the Benchmark LA4, but it's above $2k.
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I'm very happy with my Ayre K-5xemp. It's very neutral, detailed and dead quiet. I started looking into this model when I read it was Stereophile's least expensive "Class A" rated preamp for many years. They can be found used for $2000 if you watch diligently. If you go this route be sure you get the "mp" version (the upgraded version):
https://www.stereophile.com/content/ayre-k-5xesupmpsup-line-preamplifier -
I've always been a fan of the Ayre stuff. Incredible sound.
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The Rogue Audio RP-1 pre is stellar & well under your 2k budget. Well reviewed & sounds fantastic!"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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I would look at the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE. It's passive until it hits unity gain. The DNA-1 has more gain than most amps (30db) and a high input impedance (100K). So, it's really a good choice for using a passive preamp.
Remember, McCormack/Mod Squad had passive preamps before they started making any with gain.KEF 207s / Coda Continuum / SST Thoebe II / Oppo BDP-105D / Technics SP-15 w/SAEC WE-308SX & Ortofon AS-309 arms / Ikeda 9C2 & Dynavector XX2 Mk II carts
