Recommendations sought!

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by 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.

Not sure if this one will be 20k in Australia...,

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by Jérôme W

Not sure if this one will be 20k in Australia...,

Maybe for a pre-owned one from FL.

Ha!

[bzr]

Originally Posted by joeinid

Maybe for a pre-owned one from FL.

Ha!

Ha! C'mon Mike, share the love brother.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by bzr

Ha! C'mon Mike, share the love brother.

Mine is going nowhere (well....this week anyway). Seriously, I doubt there are many (any?) better preamps. None I've owned or heard that's for sure.

[bzr]

Originally Posted by 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).

Bob, of the above I would & am considering Ayre

Originally Posted by 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.

Adam, am happy with direct, I think it works well, time for a change & want to have the flexibility of separates.

Originally Posted by Jérôme 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

Thanks Jérôme, will definitely do my homework on the Giscours

Originally Posted by Still-One

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

Jim, interesting looking unit, thanks & will do some reading. Am a bit hesitant as never heard of Doshi before

Originally Posted by 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.

Cyril, theres some glare in that comment but yes you are absolutely right, thanks.

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.

Casey, yes that is definitely in the hunt


Mike, will swap yours for mine

[dcc]

Have you look at this one?

Veloce - LS-1 Line Stage

[bzr]

Originally Posted by dcc

Have you look at this one?

Veloce - LS-1 Line Stage

Thanks, that does look interesting. Has anyone heard the Veloce LS-1 Linestage in their own system. What are your thoughts on this pre-amp.

[VT Skier]

Either Mike's ARC or Joe's VAC, assuming you can wait a little while.

Probably less waiting for the VAC, although with Mike's you know the ARC/Mac/Strad combo works well.

Yes, the reviewers drool over Ayre, but that brand has never done much for me.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by VT Skier

Either Mike's ARC or Joe's VAC, assuming you can wait a little while.

Probably less waiting for the VAC, although with Mike's you know the ARC/Mac/Strad combo works well.

Yes, the reviewers drool over Ayre, but that brand has never done much for me.

Ha!

No more VAC. The conversion to 240V would have been prohibitive and was highly discouraged. I am sorry Kev.

[mbovaird]

A pass XP30? No tubes. Warm sound.