Recommendations sought!

[bzr]

Hello AAer's, I am asking for a reference guide for a pre-amp.

What I am after is I thought tube would be nice as in I have tried the digital side of things, with the digital I am very impressed to a high degree with the MSB but now I want a change. SS is not out of the equation but I also want low volume definition & accuracy.
My price range is 10-20k, must be musically engaging but in saying that I have 2301's & Strads that are forgiving to certain traits/harshness. Please advise with gusto!

[LordoftheRingsEE]

-- Very good ones from Ayre Acoustics, Mark Levinson, Lamm Industries, & Simaudio Moon Evolution.

Just make sure the impedance matches well with your amp(s).

[Elberoth]

I assume you are not happy with the direct connection ?

IMO by adding a preamp, you may gain something (like more texture, smoothed out hights) but you will also loose on microdynamics, transparency and resolution side.

You may have some system synergy problem, which sould be adressed by changing your amps / cabling, not throwing in a next non-perfect component, to compensate for the flaws.

[Jerome W]

Kev : put yourself on the waiting list for a used Shindo Giscours and you will have the last preamp you will ever need.
My Manley 300B Neo Classic has a huge, full, weighty, involving and exciting sound. Pure joy.
The Giscours has all that but adds extreme transparency, resolution and refinement at the same time. Adds also a phono stage that puts the ARC REF 2 to shame. But removes a remote control, which I don't care when you hear the sound it delivers. ( But I surely enjoy the fabulous radio RC of the 300...)
You can also buy a used Monbrison or Masseto to try the Shindo magic in your system without spending big bucks in the Giscours. But if you try the small ones, you will go to the Giscours anyway after that.
The level of musicality delivered by this unit is hard to believe and to imagine before listening to one.
It went over all my expectations. And made me out of the hunt.
Just want to listen to music now.....

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[Jerome W]

Come on guys !
Kev deserves more than just 3 answers !
This guy needs to spend his money in a tube preamp and we can't help him ?? !

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by bzr

Hello AAer's, I am asking for a reference guide for a pre-amp.

What I am after is I thought tube would be nice as in I have tried the digital side of things, with the digital I am very impressed to a high degree with the MSB but now I want a change. SS is not out of the equation but I also want low volume definition & accuracy.
My price range is 10-20k, must be musically engaging but in saying that I have 2301's & Strads that are forgiving to certain traits/harshness. Please advise with gusto!

Have you thought of one of Nick Doshi's unit. He can custom build it for what you have.

[cmalak]

Kev...my suggestion is pretty obvious but since you have the MC2301s, I would get the C1000T/P. It will play nice with your amps. It will also allow you to switch back and forth between tube and SS options adding flexibility to the equation.

[Lunchy]

I am absolutely loving the synergy I'm getting with my ARC pre with my Mac amps. I'd recommend a ARC Ref 5SE which is below the midpoint of your budget.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by Lunchy

I am absolutely loving the synergy I'm getting with my ARC pre with my Mac amps. I'd recommend a ARC Ref 5SE which is below the midpoint of your budget.

You are not alone.
Did not hear the REF 5 when I had the 2301's but I'm sure it would have been a great combo.

[mbovaird]

Kev - I will write more later, but definitely the ARC REF 10. With the Strads and 2301's - it works. A top notch preamp is the backbone of any great system IMO and it gives you flexibility down the road.