What Pre?

Hi all.

At a recent bake-off (mine to be exact) I found that my pre-amp wasnt the all conquoring pre that I thought it was. I wasnt going to change any more boxes..but still, maybe I have to ...

I still think its outstanding at its budget price point, but I now know how much better things get when money is carefully spent.

I currently have an audio innovations L1. Originally considering the border patrol mods on it, but... is there something better out there for the money?
I will eventually have around £750 to blow (max)

I am looking for the nth degree in detail and clarity. A see-through presentation is what Im after, with little if any colouration.

- an active pre-amp is all I'd consider. I'd prefer valve, but will look at either. Second hand from a dealer or ex-dem only, due to necessity for getting a bargain and home-trial.

Hoping to get some suggestions to begin to compile a short list for home trials??

Opinions very much welcome

 

Sorry to be desperately dull, and no doubt I will be shouted down by audiophiles of the note definition variety, but...what support is it on?

 

hehe.

mana stage 17, so its not the support.



Chris

 

Chris, if you want transparency check out the ATC CA2. Bang on £750 new. It's solid state but it's great. Cornflake stock them and will do a home trial over a long weekend with credit card up front. Has an optional MM/MC phono stage for a couple of hundred quid on top which is allegedly very good as well.

If you want to stick with valves, my EAR 834L is really nice, and pretty neutral too. Works very well with your 834P phono stage as well. Out of your price new (about £900 I think) but available ex-dem for less, or well within your price if you go for the plain black finish. If you want to try it out in your own system for a few days (or even a week), let me know, you're very welcome to borrow it (I have spare bits of kit I can use instead).

The Audio Note M1 is reputed to be very good as well, but AN only have one UK dealer now (Noteworthy Audio, http://www.noteworthyaudio.co.uk ), otherwise it's a trip to Hove. You do get to meet Peter Qvortrup though.

-- Ian

 

Hi Chris,

There are many valve pre amps out there. Some are very good, some are not. Here are some of my suggestions.

Look at the Audio Innovations L2 pre amp. This is the next one up from your current pre. This should give you the improvements you are after. Plus it responds well to a few tweaks. You should be able to pick these up 2nd hand for under £500.

Audionote M1 is not bad but the M2 is better. I have seen M2 pre amps for less than £600. The older ones have the sockets on the side. They have good tonally qualites.

The one I would look out for is one I have in my collection. SJS Electroacoustics Model One. This sold for £1000 but I have seen these 2nd hand for under £750. These have Choke input power supplies (like the Border Patrol but not as big), Hovland caps & other fancy bits & bobs. This give a detailed sound with a very good natural balance and drive. The bass is tighter than a lot of valve pre amps. You don't get that valve 'glow' that you can get with some valve equipment. The downside is that this is a rare item. It uses small valves (like the ones in the Trivistor amps) which are high spec.

If you fancy a pre that isn't valve, lookout for the Finestra pre. These can be picked up for less than £600. I had one of these at the Bake of at Julian's place. I think it will take some beating.

I will think of more items later.


SCIDB

 

thanks ian/Dean

I was well impressed with the finestra, and have seen one second hand...

However, if you're using something else - its prob'ly cos its better!! so I'll look out for that on the used market.

An L2? not a bad idea.. but is it cleaner and more detailed than an L1? I suppose it should be.. and border patrol mod that one too I believe.

Kevin at definitive/living voice reccomended me one that sounded good (I forget the model unfortunately, but only option would be brand spanking new!).

Ian - that ATC might be worth a dem... Ive never had the 834L at home, might be worth a try - a good visual match for the P for sure.... especially on my black HNE rack (err sorry mana 17)


Chris

 

Chris

2 questions
A) Why only Active?
B) How many sources are there? Is it only cd and your phono stage?

Ah no 3 questions.
C) How are you with a soldeing iron.

I would recomend the following
http://www.bentaudio.com/parts/noh.html
http://www.diyhifisupply.com/diy_kits/diy_kits.html
http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/foreplay/foreplay_line_stage_kit.htm

All of these are kits, so if the answer to 3 is 'Crap' the what has been written by others applies.

 

I've got a 'Basie' valve preamp from DIY Hi-Fi Supply. It still has to be assembled but I don't have the time at the moment. It's reputed to be excellent and has good potential for tweaking.

It could go on extended trial to anyone who wants to build it or I would sell it for a good price.

 

Hi Lee

Thanks for those.

Good to see you posting again!

lemme see..
1) Active only, cos it seems to work better with my power amp, or maybe just sound nicer to me.
2) 3 sources
3) not too hot with the iron.. well very good with an iron (I did it for a living in me teens!) but I cant follow a circuit diagram.

Do any of those kit jobbies make them up for you for extra cash?

Cheers
Chris

 

This is where I get shot , I maybe just the only one, but I find Valve pre coloured too much for me, (I have heard one or 2 which aint, but these arn't in the price field.
I found the finestra, rather dull and well frankly unispiring but that may not be the kit, just the sort of the way I like my sounds, Lilolee brought his Valve pre round on his last visit, very euphoric and quite warm, but 'slow' also, to distracting for moi.
Now Ian recomendation of the ATC is good, but it's pretty straight down the wire, and what you give it, you get so you'll have to play with for while, I feel the Ear will add too much of what you have already Chris (just my thoughts )
There is a Spectral DC10 preamp for £795, now for a solid state these are top stuff, I would consider a DC30?, very musical and 'see through too'
Just Wm's musings this afternoon.

 

That sounds like an interesting prospect!.. where did you see it mate?

NB - I partially agree with valve pre's. The very best I have heard are awesome, but a lot of the cheaper ones are wooly to my ears.

I liked the finestra at the bake-off, and have found a used one for £350! I think that sounds like a bargain, and I may need to have a dem... heeeheeheee

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3048737973&category=3280

Sorry, don't know much about these things, but came across this, and thought it may be of slight interest? Its a bit old in the tooth though i think now. Anyway, maybe i should just stay clear of deep water, sorry to butt in. More here,

http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?739

 

Chris will you empty your box mate Ta

 

interesting one cookie... e-bay is unfortunately out because I cant audition the kit... and I want to try a few options before spending ££ !

(actually Id rather wait a few months really, and save a bit more)

Thanks though!..

WM - my box is pretty empty, I think ZG is acting up... could you email it by any chance?

Cheers
Chris

 

Chris I think your right, it won't let me send you a Email either poxy software bollox

 

7_V
I may be interested in building you pre amp for you
Mail me

penance AT blueyoder.co.uk

 

Hey, Chris,

For £750 you can always have my CJ PV-10 !!!!

 

I've also got a valve hybrid AMC1030A preamp and a Concordant Exhilarant if either of those takes your fancy.

 

Thanks BC!!

I know you wont believe it, but I prefer the L1... I actually had the L1 against an ARC pre and a CJ pre and bought the L1 in preference... The ARC and the CJ had a lot of extra ..valvey warmth and colouration to my ears... too much of a good thing?

Like fergal sharkey used to sing '' a good pre these days is hard to find'' ?!?

 

I would also consider DNM or Sugden. Concordant made some superb amps, it is a shame Mr Dunlop is no longer alive. I have an old Concordant lying around somewhere, anyone know what they are worth?