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Preamp Possibilities
I sometimes like to look ahead, namely, what would I do if a component went down with no hope of repair or was otherwise gone. For example, I already know what I would do if my speakers or amps needed replacing. Recently I was considering this with regard to my trusty Audio Research LS3 preamp, serving well since 1994. I have no upgrade plans but the time may come when it, too, would need replacing. I have identified the Bryston BP-16, Cambridge Audio 840E, Parasound JC 2 (though the long break-in time bothers me a bit), and the Macintosh C48 as possibilities; the JC 2 and C48 are at the limit of my likely spending ability, which shrinks as retirement gets closer (about 9 years, Lord willing).
I would be curious as to whether anyone has experience with any of the above they would share. Or perhaps with another worthwhile contender. Reviews are a source, specs another, but user info helps too. The C48 is obvious, since I have 501s, but that isn't a given. I consider solid-state only, as I'm not a tube fan. Thanks. |
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Thank goodness I made it. And I never ever even remotely thought of looking back and regretting it for even a second. Terry
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Up-Dated, January 19th 2024 Mitsubishi New 16-Seer, 24,000 BTU Split-Unit ... for Heating/Cooling & Humidity control of Home Theater Marantz Pre-Amp Processor: ... AV8805 Panasonic DP-UB9000 New ... HDR 4K UHD Blu-ray Player: Roku: New ... 2022 Ultra HD-4K-HDR-Atmos Streaming Player JVC RS4100 New ... Laser Projector Lumagen Radiance Pro New ... 4242 18G Ultra HD Video Processor Stewart Filmscreen: New ... Stewart StudioTek 130 G4 123" 16x9 W/4-Way Remote Masking JML Speakers ... 2-JM Lab Utopia Mezzo Front, 2-Side Utopia, 2-Rear Mini Utopia Focal Sopra ... Center Channel Triad Atmos New ... 6 Triad Custom Repeat Gold 8 Mini Monitor Plus in-ceiling speakers W/Matching Flat Black Grills SVS PB16-Ultra Subwoofers New ... 4 PB-16 ULTRA Subs Transparent Speaker Cables ... Transparent TW Plus HP 10-2 W/Plus Bricks Classe' Amps ... 2-CA201, 1-CAM-350, 2-CA-M400 ATI AT526NC New ... ATI AT526NC 6 Channel Amp for 6 Triad Atmos in-ceiling speakers A/C Power New ... All Separate 20-Amp Circuits W/Dedicated Hospital Grade Receptacles Richard Gray Power Conditioners New ...1- RGPC-1200S, 9-RGPC-400S Panamax MB1500 ... 2023 New 1500VA UPS Battery Backup for JVC RS4100 laser projector Eaton ... Ultimate Home Surge Protection CRITEC TDX100M New ... Modular Series Home Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor HT Components/Gear Cooling ... 3-sets of Z-Fans, Cool-Stack I, Suncourt Variable Speed Thru Wall Fan ATM ... Active Thermal Management Cool Stack 1 Exhaust Fan Assembly Home Theater Component Mid Atlantic Rack ... Slide-Out 50" Track Sanus CFR1620 ... Modular open-frame component rack with Middle Atlantic 4-Post H/D Shelves Room Acoustic ... Acoustic Innovations panels Seating ... Ekornes Stressless Wave Rosco Velour Black 6003 ... 2-coats of Black primer. Then 2-coats of Full-Strength Rosco #6003 UN-Diluted to complete Dedicated Home Theater Area Shag Rug New ... Liliah Deep Black Low-Shag by Andover Mills 12' x 15' Rectangle Area-Rug Custom Calibrated H/T New ... Chad Billheimer on September 4th 2023 did my JVC RS4100. The results were 100% Totally Awesome I Highly recommend his services. https://www.hdtvbychadb.com/home-1.html
Last edited by tigerhonaker; 02-05-2012 at 08:44 PM. |
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Though it's not coming quickly, nine years is shorter than it seems. If I'm going to do any buying it should be sooner rather than later, I think. That said, I'm more interested in a new equipment rack at the moment, with several options.
There's work to do! |
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I ended up purchasing the ARC LS27 for several reasons, I liked the wider soundstage and image a bit more. The Mc's present a bit more bottom end. In a nutshell, comes down to personal taste and the rest of the system. Now, I think it would be interesting if you consider the C2300. I realize this is a tube unit but tons of good comments here and other sites. May be able to get a used one with low hours in nice shape for about $4k. Good luck! Mike Last edited by Ritmo; 02-05-2012 at 06:02 PM. |
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The real problem (or saving grace) is that I know of no store that carries Mac, Bryston and Parasound so I could do direct comparisons. Something like that could push me from "what if I needed a new preamp" to "I'm buying a preamp" rather quick.
I know now that as for an equipment rack I'll either keep my Sanus EFAV (still not set up in the system) or go for a basic Salamander Synergy 30, so I've been working system layouts with each. Now, I may need to think about how any new preamp would fit into those layouts. I'm starting to sound like I'm actually going to buy one, despite my initial intent being hypothetical. The C50's phono section got a nice mention in Hifi News by Ken Kessler, describing it as "finely detailed, quiet, easy-to-tailor." Sounds like it would be at least the equal of my Aragon 47k phonostage. That description should go for the C48 as well. A JC 3 phonostage is surely going to be better than either. Working the system layouts may reveal some things. We'll see. |
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Ok, maybe the idea will pass, but I've been induced to add the C2300 and ARC LS27 to the mix, despite my normal aversion to tubes. The list now is (in order of price, high-low):
ARC LS27 Mc C50 Mc C2300 Bryston BP26 Mc C48 Parasound JC 2 Parasound P7 The LS27, at almost 7K, is too much; as I think about it the C50 is just about too much also (but looks-wise, my favorite), but for now both stay. Last edited by prepress; 07-14-2012 at 09:21 AM. Reason: List update |
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I am beginning to lean away from the tube units on the above list. I just saw in another thread where someone experienced a failed tube in a C2300. That isn't the first time I've seen such, though it's not the norm, I'm sure. Still, it can and does happen on occasion, and feeds into one of my reasons for avoiding tube equipment in the past. Unless the current mindset changes, the list will be down to the C48, C50, and JC 2. These three are the core of the list and I realize that. And while I'll still think about the others, in the end if I take the plunge odds are strong it'll be one of these three.
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Good advice, Mike.
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Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components. |
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Thanks Stephen!
Mike |
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