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Audio Research State of the Art Audio Reproduction |
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#1
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Any SS preamp that sound like ref40?
Hi,
I like and always happy with Ref40 overall performance. Is there anyway I can keep this sound, but without having to keep replacing tubes? That is if there is solid state preamp that sound at least just as beautiful as Ref40, I may interest. This is to use with Gryphon Mephisto power amp. I don't like much the sound of Gryphon Pandora preamp because it lacked tube magic of ref40. How about Pass Xs pre? Levinson No.52 ? Etc.. Toga |
#2
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Hi Toga,
I would say C-3800, but you already tried that one I think. Olaf
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Moon 700i V2, dCS Rossini, YG Acoustics Hailey, Aurender N10, Ansuz Mainz D2 |
#3
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If you love it, why is changing tubes a big deal? I'm curious how often you are changing them... Don't they last 2000 hours?
With your gear, I'm thinking tube replacement cost isn't a big problem for you. I love my ref5se, and although I haven't had to change tubes yet, I'm not worried about it. |
#4
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I am a believer in external power supply, I heard less grain. Cost of replacing tubes is not really a big deal. But the feeling of listening to worn tubes and sometimes a burst of noise coming out of speakers was not comfortable. Now it reaches 4600 hours, I don't mean to replace it immediately I am just collecting data for the future. With C3800, the non-standard XLR pin assignment made me headache when use with various source and amp. I know Accuphase made small switch near XLR for sources and power amps, but for pre amp it will be more complicate when you mix it with other components. I also posted in here about looking for best replacement tubes, so I am not giving it up yet. Toga.
Last edited by TOGA; 01-11-2014 at 04:17 AM. |
#5
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You have had more gear through your house than anyone except Ivan. I am really intrigued by your posts, toga.
You have quite a system! |
#6
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I haven't heard the Ref 40 lately, but think the Ayre KX-R sounds better than the Ref 5 SE.
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#7
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Thank you. That was long time ago, now I have much less time to do so. And having own a really good components makes it difficult to find something that is exciting anymore. And I am start to get tired of testing stuffs, doing that for too long. Recently I am moving my attention toward home theater upgrades. New pre/pro, new multi Ch amp, new screen are on my lists. Anyway, for now, pass Xs look promising if I really want to upgrade pre amp.. I should ask one in for home audition. At this level, I can't afford any upgrade that is turn out to be a backward sonically, just need to be very careful.Toga
Last edited by TOGA; 01-11-2014 at 11:53 AM. |
#8
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When I was replacing my old pre, I auditioned the ARC Ref 10 and the D'Agostino Momentum Preamp. I ended up with Ref 10, but if I ever were to change, the Momentum pre would be the one. Fantastic, delicate sounding preamp.
Sven
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Vivid Giya G2 | D'Agostino Momentum Integrated | SME 20/3A| DS Audio E1 | Aurender A10 |
#9
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What led you to choose the Ref 10 over the DAG preamp?
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#10
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valve preamps are always the best, imo.
if it has to be ss, then perhaps balabo bc-1, or soulution 720? |
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