Most successful combinations with other brands of preamps

[Descartes]

Hi,
I would be interested to know from the experts at Accuphase poweramps, which, according to them, are certainly the most successful combinations with other brands of preamps (I quote from the case: Mark Levinson, Spectral, Audio Research, etc. ...) and linking them in RCA that in XLR.

Thank you.

[Jerome W]

I heard a fabulous ARC LS17 - Accuphase A65 combo.
Far from being an expert in Accuphase matching though but the LS17 made the A65 performing really on the top.

[Jerome W]

But may I ask why you would not consider an Accuphase preamp ?
It would be more "Cartesian" no ?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

But may I ask why you would not consider an Accuphase preamp ?
It would be more "Cartesian" no ?

My thoughts also.

[Descartes]

Because for Descartes, rationalism is the extension of the boundaries of knowledge not his confinement!

[bvdiman]

Agree with Jerome and Masterlu..
Hard to go wrong with an all Accuphase rig.
The synergy, the look, the sound.. Exquisite!





IMG-20130403-00589.jpg
*excusy the shaky mobile shot

[Descartes]

ok ok, nothing against full Accuphase combo, and this is not meant to be a debate between pro and not Accuphase, but simply a request for alternative synergistic combinations between poweramp Accuphase preamps with other brands. I'd like to stick to this.

[megasat16]

Originally Posted by Descartes

Hi,
I would be interested to know from the experts at Accuphase poweramps, which, according to them, are certainly the most successful combinations with other brands of preamps (I quote from the case: Mark Levinson, Spectral, Audio Research, etc. ...) and linking them in RCA that in XLR.

Thank you.

Tried both Levinson and AR (Tube Ref 3) and Accuphase C-290V before. Best I have heard is pairing with the Luxman Pre (C10).

Luxman pre I want to try is C1000F. I would use Accuphase Pre like C-3800 for matching with Accuphase Amps but I always find better sound quality from Accuphase amps comes from Luxman Pre. So, I will always use the Luxman Pre with Accuphase Amps.

[Descartes]

Hi James, very interesting, you may deepen the description of proof between ML, ARC compared to C290V which I think is one of the best combinations possible?

[megasat16]

Originally Posted by Descartes

Hi James, very interesting, you may deepen the description of proof between ML, ARC compared to C290V which I think is one of the best combinations possible?

Hi!

I am not very good at describing the very jargon words that most audiophiles use given my background in the engineering. I am more like short to the point guy so bear with me when I am trying to comprehend for you a bit more.

My accuphase amps are P1000, and P800.

I have a ML380s (Still do) because I wanted to roll things in and out to see how things are. Even though it's easy and very pleasant on the ears, I found it a bit less transparent in the midrange pairing to the Accuphase.

C-290V is kept because of it's the last generation of Accuphase Pre with a real nice Volume POT. It's pretty transparent and a notch above 380s but still the sound is a little dry and a little too analytical for my taste.

ARC Ref 3 was a loan from the audio shop near me and I returned it because I found it's not a match to my taste. It sounded pretty good and very wide sound stage but somehow lacks low level resolution that the SS pre given to me. As with any tube stuff, the dynamics are a bit more rolled off (IMO). Tube guys - No stone throwing please.

Luxman C-10 (much like accuphase C-290V with no remote and just straight line stage pre) but much better presentation and sounds right. You hears the music seamlessly and everything sounds so perfect and right with the Accuphase amps. There is no big or small sound stage or lacks life or dynamics or resolution. You just listen to music without thinking what's lacking. There is nothing lacking and sounds just right. It's like the show you are wearing for the past 10 years and still works like new the day you got it. You never have to worry about another pair of shoe or worry when it will wear out. Sorry, my shoe analogy is a bit distasteful but there is nothing better to describe just right for me at the moment.

So, I am looking out for C-1000F one day. They do exist but a bit hard to find being they are limited production and most Luxman fans will use C-1000F for them.

I have Luxman Amps too but it's a different topics altogether and my formula is Lux Pre + Accuphase Amp + Accuphase Source (or) go all out with TAD.