Preamp ?

[Haselsh1]

I am currently using a Lightspeed LDR passive. I am thinking of upgrading the pre so the question is, passive, active or TVC..? Maximum budget will be £1,500.

Power amplifier is an Usher R1.5

Any thoughts or advice anyone..?

[Mand]

What’s the source? I think that power amp needs 1.6V for full output so maybe no need for active pre.
What don’t you like about the ldr, or phrased better, what do you hope to achieve with a change of pre?

[Light Dependant Resistor]

The LDR you use was compared a few years ago here: https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/113297-comparison-lightspeed-diy-ldr-pre-vs-stereo-coffee-diy/page/2/
and here: https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/319676-stereo-coffee-preamp-compared-lightspeed-attenuator.html

The differences are because with stereo coffee every part is listened to with music.
Availability is both a kit and cased unit, demand is very high.

[antonio]

I don't know whether it would be an improvement over your current pre, but the Schiit Freya gives you lots of options and sounds pretty good into the bargain

[hifi_dave]

Croft.

[Haselsh1]

I have been looking at/interested in an Icon4 at around £1,600 but it features features I don't really want ;)

Croft preamps I love but they have issues making them difficult to live with unless modded.

I am mainly looking for something that simply improves on what I have already.

Source is a Denon DCD2500NE SACD/CD player. This will not be changed anytime soon.

The sound I currently have is probably the best I have ever had but you know, there's that bloody itch again. A nice looking unit with an exceptional sound would be excellent. I have my ideal sound but it looks like the cat's dinner. Christ, this thing even has a remote. I first tried my power amp with my old Prima Luna Prologue 3 but when I substituted the Lightspeed the difference was astonishing resulting in the immediate sale of the Prologue.

Thank you all for your comments so far.

[Haselsh1]

Oh yeah, also checking out the Fidelity Audio PRE 120 SE.

[hifinutt]

had that , did not set me alight i am afraid !!

[hifinutt]

The LDR you use was compared a few years ago here: https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/113297-comparison-lightspeed-diy-ldr-pre-vs-stereo-coffee-diy/page/2/
and here: https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/319676-stereo-coffee-preamp-compared-lightspeed-attenuator.html

The differences are because with stereo coffee every part is listened to with music.
Availability is both a kit and cased unit, demand is very high.

take a lot to beat the LDR for a 1500 budget !!

[hifinutt]

possibly a bel canto pre 3 vbs may be worth a look , they a about a grand with a psu , but never compared with the LDR . the schiit freya has been here , utterly transparent if you like that . you can also get a townshend allegri from anything from 650 upwards ,folks seem to like them .