Can you name a preamp with the ..........

joeinid

joeinid

Super Moderator
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
18,722
Location
NY
Can you name a preamp with the biggest, widest, tallest, deepest and most layered three dimensional sound stage?

I am curious, in your experience, what you value most in a preamp.
 
STP-SE :)

Obvious answer for me is a preamplifier that does what I need it to do and gets out of the way. One not so obvious feature that I have recently learned to value and has become an absolute for me is number of outputs. I do not know if many other preamps have this or not, but the STP-SE has four sets of outputs and I am now using them all. I do not know if I could get by with less at this point.

I have one set to my First Watt amplifier, another to the Audio Research. A third set goes to the two subwoofers and the fourth is used by the headphone amplifier. By being able to keep all hooked up allows me to turn on or off whatever amplifiers I am using at the time. So if I am listening to headphones I have the other amplifiers (including subwoofer amps) turned off, and only the Woo on.

Sound wise image and sound stage is one aspect that I really enjoy and the Wyred pre seems to deliver very well! I do not need a bunch of do-dads.... tone controls and fancy lights. I actually prefer a preamplifier that is more minimalistic. The only flash thing that I use on the STP-SE is I do label the inputs.
 
For tubes: VAC Statement or REF10.

For SS: the one you already have. Ayre KX-R Twenty. Although my Vitus SL-102 Mk2 is right up there.

On a budget: used REF5SE. What do I say to myself when I remember letting that one go? DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!
 
Ha!

I understand. I miss my GAT. I should have upgraded :blush: to GAT II, although it wasn't the quietest preamp, it was pretty awesome. My Ayre has spoiled me, it's stellar and dead quiet.
 
For me, it is my McIntosh C1000C/P solid state preamplifier. I also owned the C1000C/T tube preamplifier I used in a separate sound system but discovered the C1000C/P solid state preamplifier was quieter, particularly the moving coil phono stage. This preamplifier is a true statement piece that delivers a tremendously realistic performance. The power supply is dual mono, and completely independent in its own component enclosure from the dual mono and fully balanced audio circuits in the preamplifier enclosure. The C1000C/P has all the control functions I need and none that I don't require. The build quality and parts selection are top notch. It provides four balanced and four unbalanced outputs per channel for unsurpassed connectivity. Best of all the C1000C/P sounds superb, is dead quiet, incredibly dynamic, and creates an astonishingly wide, deep, and holographic sound stage. It is highly unlikely I will ever part with this preamplifier. It provides everything I need to reproduce a thoroughly believable and completely enjoyable audio performance.


C1000-1.jpg
 
Looks beautiful Dan. I had the C500T and loved it. A friend had, sold and is now getting another C1100. I love that piece. I'm going back over to hear it again once it's broken in. I'm thinking the C1100 plus MC2301's could be IT! :)
 
Mike said:
For tubes: VAC Statement or REF10.

For SS: the one you already have. Ayre KX-R Twenty. Although my Vitus SL-102 Mk2 is right up there.

On a budget: used REF5SE. What do I say to myself when I remember letting that one go? DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!
Click to expand...

Well there is a used one right now for $8300 on Audiogon
 
joeinid said:
Can you name a preamp with the biggest, widest, tallest, deepest and most layered three dimensional sound stage?

I am curious, in your experience, what you value most in a preamp.
Click to expand...

Without question, an ARC REF 40 Anniversary....

Cheers...
 
joeinid said:
Can you name a preamp with the biggest, widest, tallest, deepest and most layered three dimensional sound stage?

I am curious, in your experience, what you value most in a preamp.
Click to expand...

I owned and borrowed many preamplifiers.
There is one that stands alone if sound quality is your priority including the aspects you mention above.

It does not have XLR connections, only RCA and it does not have a remote.
A single tube gain stage and massive external power supplies with hand soldered attenuators.

And you have probably never heard of it. It is made in the US by an artisan, one at a time - special order only. If you are looking for the best, this should be on your audition list.

Emmanuel Go
First Sound

http://www.firstsoundaudio.com
 
Looks awesome Caelin. I think I really need a remote for volume at least.
 
WOW...I have a friend who hand makes NOS DACS...
The similarities to the Paramount Mark III S1 SE are uncanny...
from the use of Duelund VSF to differing types of hook up wire that are separated...
The DAC sounds sensational...would love to hear the Paramount Mark III S1 SE...
This really is something on my "will have sometime in the future" Pre Amp...
 
Just went over to the Firstsound website ...


Paramount MKIII-S Super Special Edition Statement
Two Paramount MKIII-SI Special Edition units used separately for left and right channels
6 chassis unit

Paramount MKIII-S Super Special Edition Statement
Two Paramount MKIII-SI Special Edition units used separately for left and right channels
6 chassis unit
Click to expand...


Wow! 6 chassis units!
 
So even the input is selected separate for each channel. That is kind of interesting. Don't think I have ever seen a true dual mono preamplifier...
 
Mike said:
For tubes: VAC Statement or REF10.

For SS: the one you already have. Ayre KX-R Twenty. Although my Vitus SL-102 Mk2 is right up there.

On a budget: used REF5SE. What do I say to myself when I remember letting that one go? DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT!
Click to expand...

Yes, the ARC REF 10 can have a very wide and deep soundstage depending on the recording. I did a head-to-head comparison between the REF 10 and the REF 6 and while the REF 6 produced a large soundstage depending on the recording, the REF 10 was much wider and deeper. The REF 10 is one of my favorite components. It's never leaving my rack. :)

Best,
Ken
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top