Warm sounding pre amp suggestions

pearsall001 · March 2023

I'm possibly looking to add to my pre amp collection. I currently have a Schiit Audio Freya S solid state & Consonance Ref 50 tube pre & I swap them in & out when the mood strikes me. Both pre's sound fantastic paired with the Parasound A21+ & Maggie LRS speakers. Just kicking the idea around.
Budget $1,500.

pitdogg2 · March 2023

Parasound out of the question?

heiney9 · March 2023

Warmer than tubes?

H9

SIHAB · March 2023

here is an open box P6;
https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/collections/preamplifiers/products/parasound-p6-halo-2-1-channel-stereo-preamplifier-and-dac-open-box-full-warranty
under your budget.

Joey_V · March 2023

Cary 98 though a little above the budget

msg · March 2023

You just looking for another toy to play with, or do you feel like there's something more to gain, somehow?

Missing anything specific? Synergy? Or just not getting your sack blown back?

Ever tried anything Musical Fidelity? I was constantly feeling like something wasn't right until I tried a Musical Fidelity integrated, the A5. Maybe one of their pres will suit.

pearsall001 · March 2023

Pretty much just looking for a new toy to add to my preamp collection. My current SS & tube preamps really convey the music to my liking. Different presentations and both really hit the mark on all accounts. Just curious to what else is out there to throw into the mix. I would most likely rotate the 3 for awhile then whittle it done to just 2 & sell one off. Just looking to have some fun! I came across some really good reviews & opinions on the CJ line, in particular the CJ PV14L. There's a lot of options for sure.

mhardy6647 · March 2023

I almost bought an Adcom tuner/preamp for $100 at NEVEE yesterday -- fortunately, I thought to myself "why?" and that provided sufficient restraint.

pearsall001 · March 2023

mhardy6647 wrote: »

I almost bought an Adcom tuner/preamp for $100 at NEVEE yesterday -- fortunately, I thought to myself "why?" and that provided sufficient restraint.

I would have passed on that one too. 🤠

SIHAB · March 2023

There is an open box Lab12 pre1 Stereo Tube Preamplifier @ TMR that I
have been eyeing... a bit over the budget
https://tmraudio.com/components/preamplifiers/lab12-pre1-stereo-tube-preamplifier-black-open-box/

I guess this would be a sideways move.

Emlyn · March 2023

I'd second or third the recommendation on giving a Parasound P6 an audition. Lots of useful features.

engie490 · March 2023

I've had 3 CJ preamps: PV14L, PV8, and PF2. IMO, the PV8 is the best of the bunch.

The A21+ has 29db of gain though, so you might have too much gain (PV8 line stage gain is 31db).

PF2 has 21db of gain. The PF-R is basically the same circuit with a remote.

The Audio Research LS3 was supposed to be very good for the money, though probably not as warm as the PV8. Echo Audio has a used one with remote for $975.

Now I see that the A21+ has gain controls on the back...go for a PV8.

pearsall001 · March 2023

Thanks for all of your recommendations guys! I'll definitely check out the CJ PV8.
I some some good pricing on the PS Audio GainCell DAC, any thoughts on that particular item. I have no experience with PS Audio gear.

audioluvr · March 2023

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295536145605?hash=item44cf53b4c5:g:nLUAAOSwCC9j8tfd&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoNqif8DY7KZzbUPGOdLQgaHfpFp6K84sec25WelhFucpgBstDM54pjqWYUCxiqFSBlP/+LKfWontTixxyZMBLLOq3wpH/tB5voaMa8sk6xNTB9hfMAu4cxB7ZBZ+cpl/fA7JB/eitj8v+/sOSh2vsn/DTuvfXpTNAVhLBQnYBTd47/ZKI8w0yce+zWBMFR5tSXIGOnkVE4d2v/woTJXRywY=|tkp:Bk9SR_rLiO7XYQ

jmwest1 · March 2023

pearsall001 wrote: »

Thanks for all of your recommendations guys! I'll definitely check out the CJ PV8.
I some some good pricing on the PS Audio GainCell DAC, any thoughts on that particular item. I have no experience with PS Audio gear.

I have a SGC DAC, and it sounds great. However, It's been back to them for repair once with a main logic board issue, and it's packed to go back again for a dead left channel. It might just be mine, but I'd watch out for QC issues. Also, if you have a Vizio tv the remote codes overlap.

dromunds · March 2023

Pearsall001: I have a PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC I may sell. PM me.

msg · March 2023

audioluvr wrote: »

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295536145605?hash=item44cf53b4c5:g:nLUAAOSwCC9j8tfd&amdata=enc:AQAHAAAAoNqif8DY7KZzbUPGOdLQgaHfpFp6K84sec25WelhFucpgBstDM54pjqWYUCxiqFSBlP/+LKfWontTixxyZMBLLOq3wpH/tB5voaMa8sk6xNTB9hfMAu4cxB7ZBZ+cpl/fA7JB/eitj8v+/sOSh2vsn/DTuvfXpTNAVhLBQnYBTd47/ZKI8w0yce+zWBMFR5tSXIGOnkVE4d2v/woTJXRywY=|tkp:Bk9SR_rLiO7XYQ

Rob, what the... I hit that link and wound up here?

msg · March 2023

Those B&K Sonata pieces with the offboard/outboard? power supplies are neat. I have the non-pro version, the MC-101.

DaveHo · March 2023

I currently have a PS Audio SGC, previously had a Parasound P5. The DAC in the SGC is superior. Analog was mostly a sideways move. Parasound makes it easier to incorporate a sub if you want to use line level for that.

Incidentally I had issues with both units. Both manufacturers repaired at no cost to me other than shipping the units to them, even though I was not the original owner. However, Richard Schram is no longer at the helm of Parasound. Don't know if there are any ramifications from that.

pearsall001 · March 2023

dromunds wrote: »

Pearsall001: I have a PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC I may sell. PM me.

Thanks for the offer. I want to hold off on the PS gear & others for now. I'm concentrating my search in the CJ line. Might take awhile, it seems like they don't come up for sale too often especially in my budget range.

engie490 · March 2023

A little over your budget...

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649631807-conrad-johnson-premier-2-tube-preamp/

But, he's been trying to sell that piece for over a year...

tonyb · March 2023

Maybe fly a different direction Phil when looking for warmth. A redone vintage console amp/pre from the likes of Scott, Eico, Magnavox, Motorola. They have that vintage warmth that older ears seem to gravitate to.

pearsall001 · March 2023

tonyb wrote: »

Maybe fly a different direction Phil when looking for warmth. A redone vintage console amp/pre from the likes of Scott, Eico, Magnavox, Motorola. They have that vintage warmth that older ears seem to gravitate to.

Oh so now you're saying I'm old. LOL! I self describe as "well seasoned" 🙂 I hear ya about vintage audio gear being on the warmer side. To be honest I would be leary due to their age. I'm still kicking things around & keeping my options open.

invalid · March 2023

https://www.space-tech-lab.com/

Give this guy a call, he answers his phone during business hours, and has over 50 models of preamps.

pitdogg2 · March 2023

pearsall001 wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

Maybe fly a different direction Phil when looking for warmth. A redone vintage console amp/pre from the likes of Scott, Eico, Magnavox, Motorola. They have that vintage warmth that older ears seem to gravitate to.

Oh so now you're saying I'm old. LOL! I self describe as "well seasoned" 🙂

You mean like that OLD Crusty Iron Skillet over in the corner ? ............YEP!

pearsall001 · March 2023

invalid wrote: »

https://www.space-tech-lab.com/

Give this guy a call, he answers his phone during business hours, and has over 50 models of preamps.

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

pearsall001 · March 2023

pitdogg2 wrote: »

pearsall001 wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

Maybe fly a different direction Phil when looking for warmth. A redone vintage console amp/pre from the likes of Scott, Eico, Magnavox, Motorola. They have that vintage warmth that older ears seem to gravitate to.

Oh so now you're saying I'm old. LOL! I self describe as "well seasoned" 🙂

You mean like that OLD Crusty Iron Skillet over in the corner ? ............YEP!

YEP...rust & all! I thought 85 was the new 40??? 😂😂

Warm sounding pre amp suggestions

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