WANTED: preamp, £2k+ budget, any ideas?

[montesquieu]

Next to speakers, preamps are the hardest thing in a system to get right: we all know this to be true.

As well as Will's scratch build which is back with him for tweaking and finalising (a process that could take some time given his workload) I currently have a Modwright LS36.5, an excellent preamp but one which lacks an essential feature I need, namely a tape or effects loop to put my pre-RIAA equalisation box into. Also while a truly excellent indeed arguably outstanding performer it perhaps lacks the character I quite like in a preamp (some of course would consider this quality an asset!). Anyway I'm on the hunt to replace it, with something that will be in use at least while Will does his thing... I've had a good look around ebay and the like there are a few interesting things around, but nothing that jumps out.

Essential qualities:

1) I need to be able to hear it in my system - this is an absolute MUST, I simply don't make major changes unheard these days
2) It'll **probably** have tubes in ... but I'm open minded (after all there are FET AN M7's around - not in budget sadly - and the Aurorasound Preda would undoubtedly be on my list to hear if I had the dosh)
3) It'll probably be second hand - given the need for a tape loop and VFM as well as re-sale considerations
4) If possible, modest form factor no bigger than a standard 43cm component footprint, or two boxes that fit that profile
5) Most likely a linestage as overwhelmingly my experience with internal phono stages are that they are compromised (and I have the Aurorasound Vida anyway)
6) High input impedance / low output impedance - the former at least is very important to get the best out of the Vida
7) It should measure well - no voodoo bollocks - and be quiet, within the bounds of what valves can manage, no excessive hum, hiss or microphony
8) It should be nicely made - I like a bit of pride of ownership
9) Proper volume and if possible balance pot - I HATE twin pots
10) Not tubed with unobtanium or unaffordablum
11) Tape loop or effects loop available so I can switch my EQ box in and out without it sitting in series with the phono stage

What I don't care about:

1) Gain - the Radford has variable input sensitivity so gain isn't an issue though it should ideally have at least some
2) Remote - a nice to have rather than a must
3) Hybrid - I don't care particularly if it's all-tube or hybrid, if it does the job
4) Colour - did I mention I don't care?

Ruled out, largely on a been there, done that, basis:

Cheaper EAR preamps (he said trying not to be jealous of Peter's 912), Audion (had the Quattro, it was noisy), Croft (please don't try and persuade me - just not my thing), Audio Note UK (see voodoo bollocks above - have tried M2, M3, M5 - actually thought a modded M2 was the best out of that lot, others too dry), Shindo/Leben (tried them, not for me - perhaps too MUCH character), ANY passive or TVC including LDR, Pass buffers, valve buffers and the like (tried many, totally NOT my thing), WAD (see pride of ownership). I'm sure quite a few others I can't think of right now.

Not sure if this should be a WTB or something maybe in Past Masters - happy to encourage discussion in the thread, will take all input though not necessarily comment on, feel free to PM me with offers, links or suggestions directly.

[danilo]

Could?? Buy a 10 K Dact .. add connectors to it. And have a Very Good (passive) Pre . IF your gear needs a Buffer as well ( some setups do)
A Pass Diy:
https://www.passdiy.com/pdf/B1%20Buffer%20Preamp.pdf
https://www.passdiy.com/pdf/B1%20Buffer%20Preamp.pdf

Likely better performing than 99% of what's Commercially available.
Or Not ..Your Choice :-)

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Like asking for a Morris 1000 with a 13b Rotary ( Yes there is at least one I know of, as I built the engine for it, and is still running well )

Specialist requirements like this could probably found in a Audio Research preamp. But I do not think you will get as good audio quality as a passive
as this review reveals comparing to other passives as well. http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topi...eo-coffee-diy/

Impedance mismatches can be a long road, if they are not addressed. The two key requirements are adequate power amp sensitivity typically below 800mv
and resistive loading above 50k . There are exceptions like Quad's 306 with 300mv sensitivity and 30k loading that work really well with passives.
At the other end of the scale a Quad 405 Net Audio Mk3 with LM6171 op amps has 1.5v sensitivity and 220k loading, it also works well with passives.

Sensible power amp specs are what you need. before embarking on a preamp of one of a kind that may or may not then work properly.
A few minutes studying your power amps specs may be an ear opener, so to speak. The DIY path to a degree, is I think the way to go
as you then get all your requirements catered for ( eventually ) .

Cheers / Chris

[CageyH]

Have a listen to a Firebottle KIN if you get the chance.
In my (limited) experience, it is very good and is well under budget.

[Firebottle]

Tom it's a pity that I don't have a stock Firebottle KIN phono/line preamp built up that I could send down.

It ticks all your boxes , apart from the tape loop which could be easily fitted.

[stevied]

Next to speakers, preamps are the hardest thing in a system to get right: we all know this to be true.

As well as Will's scratch build which is back with him for tweaking and finalising (a process that could take some time given his workload) I currently have a Modwright LS36.5, an excellent preamp but one which lacks an essential feature I need, namely a tape or effects loop to put my pre-RIAA equalisation box into. Also while a truly excellent indeed arguably outstanding performer it perhaps lacks the character I quite like in a preamp (some of course would consider this quality an asset!). Anyway I'm on the hunt to replace it, with something that will be in use at least while Will does his thing... I've had a good look around ebay and the like there are a few interesting things around, but nothing that jumps out.

Essential qualities:

1) I need to be able to hear it in my system - this is an absolute MUST, I simply don't make major changes unheard these days
2) It'll **probably** have tubes in ... but I'm open minded (after all there are FET AN M7's around - not in budget sadly - and the Aurorasound Preda would undoubtedly be on my list to hear if I had the dosh)
3) It'll probably be second hand - given the need for a tape loop and VFM as well as re-sale considerations
4) If possible, modest form factor no bigger than a standard 43cm component footprint, or two boxes that fit that profile
5) Most likely a linestage as overwhelmingly my experience with internal phono stages are that they are compromised (and I have the Aurorasound Vida anyway)
6) High input impedance / low output impedance - the former at least is very important to get the best out of the Vida
7) It should measure well - no voodoo bollocks - and be quiet, within the bounds of what valves can manage, no excessive hum, hiss or microphony
8) It should be nicely made - I like a bit of pride of ownership
9) Proper volume and if possible balance pot - I HATE twin pots
10) Not tubed with unobtanium or unaffordablum
11) Tape loop or effects loop available so I can switch my EQ box in and out without it sitting in series with the phono stage

What I don't care about:

1) Gain - the Radford has variable input sensitivity so gain isn't an issue though it should ideally have at least some
2) Remote - a nice to have rather than a must
3) Hybrid - I don't care particularly if it's all-tube or hybrid, if it does the job
4) Colour - did I mention I don't care?

Ruled out, largely on a been there, done that, basis:

Cheaper EAR preamps (he said trying not to be jealous of Peter's 912), Audion (had the Quattro, it was noisy), Croft (please don't try and persuade me - just not my thing), Audio Note UK (see voodoo bollocks above - have tried M2, M3, M5 - actually thought a modded M2 was the best out of that lot, others too dry), Shindo/Leben (tried them, not for me - perhaps too MUCH character), ANY passive or TVC (tried many, totally NOT my thing), WAD (see pride of ownership). I'm sure quite a few others I can't think of right now.

Not sure if this should be a WTB or something maybe in Past Masters - happy to encourage discussion in the thread, will take all input though not necessarily comment on, feel free to PM me with offers, links or suggestions directly.

Klyne 7

[montesquieu]

Klyne 7

I had a Kline head amp years ago and loved it - but where and how much? (I'm trying to be practical here - I'm actually looking for stuff I can try and buy, here in the U.K., available and in budget. )

And could the passive fans please piss off - tried many, I don't like them, they don't work with my kit and I'm not interested. I've made that very clear above.

[Ali Tait]

Not heard one myself, it's very good from what I read though, something a bit different-

http://www.transcendentsound.com/Masterpiece.html

You could ask Alan to build it and add a tape loop.

[montesquieu]

Not heard one myself, it's very good from what I read though, something a bit different-

http://www.transcendentsound.com/Masterpiece.html

You could ask Alan to build it and add a tape loop.

I had one of these, built by Rabski on the Wam, it was good but I think the Modwright is already better.

EDIT OOPS wrote too soon this is a new model I'll look into it.

[jollyfix]

Not sure if this hits the brief Tom, one went on the Bay the other week, for under your budget.
http://www.hattor.com

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HATTOR-AUD...vip=true&rt=nc