Looking for recommendations - Passive and/or low gain preamps ...

Joe

I've had it running on repeat with my almost never used CD player since noon. Will give that a listen for one CD's worth and then move to the two vinyl rigs for the rest of the evening. I listened to it just a few minutes earlier on hookup just to verify connections. Seems to be dead quiet so far. The real test will be the LOMC with the phono pre at 60db gain. I don't expect to have any issues with the MI Grado 8MZ at 40db or the CD player.
 
Plus with the Wyred you can choose between black or silver. There were two lightly used units on Agon on Friday, but they are both gone now.
 
I've been watching, but can't seem to pull the trigger on anything right now.
 
As you know the advantage of buying used on Agon or AK is that you can turn it over with little if any loss. If I hadn't of bought Don's at just over half price I would have probably waited awhile.
 
joeinid said:
It does not take much to drive my Job 225. I was wondering what experiences/recommendations you had for passive or low output preamps. Even at my lowest setting on my preamps, I find the volume sometimes too much for late night or background listening. My main dacs have analog volume controls so I can turn them down but I wonder if I would not be better off with something passive. Thoughts?

Thanks!
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Joe,
I have bumped into this fantastic passive preamp from Poland.

High Quality Audio & Industrial Attenuators and Passive Preamplifiers

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Even if you order all the options including the stylish wooden remote control (yes this would make the only electrical part in the amp..) the price is under 700 EUR.

I have found some tests and this seems to be the perfect fit for the JOB.

6moons audio reviews: Khozmo Acoustic passive

http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=3917.15

I am really getting excited reading this stuff... I think it is a winner!

Ciao,
Hans
 

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Well after about ten days and 40 hours, I think I finally have a handle on the Wyred 4 Sound Preamp. It has taken a while to get used to after over 10 years of a succession of tube preamps. But with every listening session the Wyred presentation seems more normal. In addition to the obvious gain issue, each of the tube preamps imparted their own sound based on the circuit design and then the tubes used. With the Wyred you get no character whatsoever. Without a doubt this is the most neutral component I have ever had in my system. With a full function remote as well as both Balanced and SE inputs and outputs it is flexible enough to be used in system, but more important it seems to be a perfect match for the JOB 225 which was my reason for buying it. My only concern with the unit before buying it was how would it handle a LOMC phono system. While it does require a bit more on the volume control, it works fine and still never gets to the active stage. Yet to see how it fairs with the other SS amps or the tube amps in the future, but for now with the JOB it sounds great. Highly recommend, especially if you can find one used.
 
Jack said:
Well after about ten days and 40 hours, I think I finally have a handle on the Wyred 4 Sound Preamp. It has taken a while to get used to after over 10 years of a succession of tube preamps. But with every listening session the Wyred presentation seems more normal. In addition to the obvious gain issue, each of the tube preamps imparted their own sound based on the circuit design and then the tubes used. With the Wyred you get no character whatsoever. Without a doubt this is the most neutral component I have ever had in my system. With a full function remote as well as both Balanced and SE inputs and outputs it is flexible enough to be used in system, but more important it seems to be a perfect match for the JOB 225 which was my reason for buying it. My only concern with the unit before buying it was how would it handle a LOMC phono system. While it does require a bit more on the volume control, it works fine and still never gets to the active stage. Yet to see how it fairs with the other SS amps or the tube amps in the future, but for now with the JOB it sounds great. Highly recommend, especially if you can find one used.
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Jack glad your liking this preamp I too am a tube pre guy but I been thinking of adding a little solid state to my setup. Not sure if I want that to be the pre or not yet.
Best of luck with it!
 
Hans,

Thank you for that. I'll check it out.

Jack,

That is awesome !!!! I am excited about that preamp and I am glad you are happy.
 
Steve

I never tried either one of my SS pre's with the Job. I suspect they would have similar gain issues though probably not the tube noise. When it ever cools off here, 82 degrees now, I'll try the Wyred with the two tube amps. I would like to hear one of Van Alstines hybrid preamps, but certainly don't need anymore.

Joe every day I use it I get more used to it's presentation. The guy I bought it from is a long time restorer of vintage tube gear from Fisher, Scott, Marantz etc. and has always used tube preamps. He said that he got so used to the Wyred's sound that when he moved it out of the system he had to roll through plenty of sets of tubes in the Cary trying to get it more neutral like the Wyred.
 
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I am going to contact W4S next week about the upgrades. The STP-SE looks like a winner.
 
I have to say the Esoteric C-03 is made for this situation. I almost purchased one after an in home demo. I ended up going all in on Spectral, but the C-03's adjustable gain was a great feature.
 
Hi Dan31,

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look at that too.
 
Jack

Just knowing that there is a better version gets my audiophile nervosa going. I was thinking about buying used and having it upgraded, assuming it's worth it.
 
Underwoodwally is have the upgrades done by the former head of Sonic Frontiers. So you can probably contact Parts Connexion and ask Chris Johnson.
 
I'm late to this thread but thought I'd add my 2 cents..... I recently installed a Viola Crescendo pre-DAC into my system and am absolutely blown away. While I had a Conrad Johnson years ago I have no experience with your system components. Before actually settling on the Crescendo I took time to listen to several other units and found I just loved the performance it provides. Of course, already having a pair of Viola Symphony amps in my system probably shaded my perceptions I did simply want what i felt would perform the best. I couldn't be happier. Well, unless I added a Viola Spirito. ;^]
 
Jack said:
Underwoodwally is have the upgrades done by the former head of Sonic Frontiers. So you can probably contact Parts Connexion and ask Chris Johnson.
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Jack, How do you think the STP SE portrays width and especially depth when the source has it? I know the STP is neutral, and very transparent, but I wonder if it's soundstaging capabilities are on na par with the better designs. In aqddition to Wally's mods, W4S is offering mods, primarily a better, nude, resistors in the volume ladder. My other choice is a c-j ET-3, c-j always gets soundstage right.
 
Frankly I have found the STP-SE to be just like the reviewers said. Whatever is coming from the source is what you get. My system is almost 100% analog nowadays so what I hear from the STP is based more on the Engineer and Mastering, plus whichever cartridge is on the two TT's. If the LP has width and depth that is what you get in conjunction with the specific cartridges presentation characteristics.
 
Jack said:
Frankly I have found the STP-SE to be just like the reviewers said. Whatever is coming from the source is what you get. My system is almost 100% analog nowadays so what I hear from the STP is based more on the Engineer and Mastering, plus whichever cartridge is on the two TT's. If the LP has width and depth that is what you get in conjunction with the specific cartridges presentation characteristics.
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Jack, Thanks for your impressions. I have a chance to borrow one, I'll give it a go.
 
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