A preamp to match Gryphon Mephisto

[TOGA]

Originally Posted by Anatta

Vitus SL-102 another option.

It was the very first that I tried, years ago.
Of all I have tried long ago, I like Burmester most.
That 's why I start original post mentioning Burmester.

Toga

[Anatta]

So you want to avoid Burmester due to its chrome finish or you just want to try several preamps to see if you like anything better before getting a 077+psu?

Can you say which preamps you have eliminated until now?

I would also try the Ayre KX-R20 as suggested earlier and a Jeff Rowland Corus.

You might also like the VTL TL-7.5 III, which is a tube hybrid with only two 12AU7 tubes for the voltage gain stage and a SS output buffer; shouldn't be too much of a hassle to replace 2 small tubes from time to time.

TL7.5 Series III Reference Preamplifier | VTL Amplifiers, Inc

[TOGA]

Hi, quite a fun process here. but actually exhausted. Luckily I don't have to be hurry.
It's quite difficult because my preamp is ARC Ref40 and my goal is to find a better sounding one without deteriorate parts (tubes), it has to sound equal or better.
I will not use the word eliminate , too harsh, haha. But The first ones that came and gone were
1. PASS XS PRE, despite a very good sounding. the best I've heard so far,with exception.
- the operation of the unit or user interface is very annoying to me. poor software.
- no OFF or standby switch. leaving it suck 80 watt 24/7 for 10 years is ridiculous
- may be it was too new at that time, top treble,for example a sound of triangle was
muted, so muted that it was barely heard and something was missing from the music, oh and it didn't like to be plugged in to my Accuphase PS520 power conditioner.
direct to the wall make it sound a lot better.

2. Gryphon Pandora, a natural choice for me. It was very quiet, low level details was the best. but it has a few problems too.
- tonality was too light, clearly audible on midband or voices.
- 2 power cords required, despite these 2 cords will be very lightly to share same outlet or circuit. Why separate ?
- the remote control code was the same as my Marantz 8802A, make it very annoying at movie time. when I want to turn on the Marantz, the Gryphon shutdown.

Ayre KXR20 , Boulder, VTL are very expensive here, so much that I don't want to
bother. And last time I called them, KXR20 was not available. VTL 7.5 III is very interesting to me. with only low level tubes to be worried about. But they will last 1500 hours.. only ??? according to the owner manual. that is even shorter live than 6550C on
ARC Ref40 power supply (2000).

BTW, I have enough spare 6550c winged C to run REF40 for another 8 years. So
this new preamp hunting is not a hurry project. I want to wait and see what Burmester will
release at 2017 MUC High End to match with 159 amps. I am worried about the rust on chrome, but I love the sound.

I will try C900u, CH L1, VTL 7.5 if there is a chance.

Toga.

[2fastdriving]

I'm confused as to why you seek to replace the amazing ref40 because you don't want to deal with tubes, yet you already purchased years of replacements?

Anyway, have you tried constellation audio? They are also expensive, but wow, very good sound.

[TOGA]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

I'm confused as to why you seek to replace the amazing ref40 because you don't want to deal with tubes, yet you already purchased years of replacements? Anyway, have you tried constellation audio? They are also expensive, but wow, very good sound.

I am avoiding sound quality that gradually dropped as tube aged. That 's all. And At , no plan to sell Ref40.
Poor resale vAlue. I will keep it. Once SED 6550C used up, I will have no choice other than 6550WE which many
Said inferior. This is kind of trouble I am avoiding. I have only tried Centaur Mono before I purchased Mephisto.
Havent tried their preAmp. I cannot afford their top pre amp. I don't have A matching Constellation Direct connection.
I will not get the benefit form this circuit. In my view.

Toga

[TOGA]

Hmm...
It's like a dream comes true to have this in my system.
Toga

[imprezap2]

One of (if not the best) matches with Magico Q7, I listened to a full Soulution set (pre with monoblocks, latest type), best I have ever heard.

[Weirdcuba]

Soulution mono's and pre for sale in the classified's here at aa from trusted aa member.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[TOGA]

Soulution 725 sounded phenomenal. Like nothing I ever heard. Inner details were beyond anything.
With a few firmware issue that is easy to fix if factory cooperate.

Toga

[TOGA]

Originally Posted by Weirdcuba

Soulution mono's and pre for sale in the classified's here at aa from trusted aa member. Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

Thanks for advises.
Toga