Dear Gents,
I am about to get a tube preamplifier and I would really appreciate your expert advice on two of the most potent contenders I managed to locate.
Number one (in terms of preference):
Auriga
Number two:
Welcome to Croft Acoustics +44(0)1723 355111 (The official site for Croft amplification)
Let me say the phono stage is of no big interest.
I strongly believe that a well designed machine is a first sign of true sonic excellence. So not being an expert, or able to assess the quality of the designs, and having being misled by the marketing junk several times in the past, I would like recommendations on these two (or maybe another relevant preamp).
Thank you so much in advance!
I am about to get a tube preamplifier and I would really appreciate your expert advice on two of the most potent contenders I managed to locate.
Number one (in terms of preference):
Auriga
Number two:
Welcome to Croft Acoustics +44(0)1723 355111 (The official site for Croft amplification)
Let me say the phono stage is of no big interest.
I strongly believe that a well designed machine is a first sign of true sonic excellence. So not being an expert, or able to assess the quality of the designs, and having being misled by the marketing junk several times in the past, I would like recommendations on these two (or maybe another relevant preamp).
Thank you so much in advance!
"complex output stage "... cute. But with 30 cent capacitors? How much do they charge?
1400 Gbp each...
They seem to represent opposite ends of the spectrum. The Auriga is probably a quite simple circuit. £1400 seems a lot to pay for a pair of ECC82 and a volume control. The Croft will have to use lots of NFB to make a line stage using ECC83.
Bear in mind that in many cases the best line stage is a piece of wire.
Bear in mind that in many cases the best line stage is a piece of wire.
For the kind of coin discussed here you might want to consider something used like the ARC LS-1 or one of its successors. Solid performing hybrid line stage..
Other things to consider might be a TVC based design from Dave Slagle or the Silver Rock TVC.. Both of which will give you gain and a relatively low source Z with typical solid state sources. I have heard several of Dave Slagle's TVC and they are excellent performers IMLE. The Silver Rock marketing stuff is rubbish, but theirs also sounds quite nice IMVLE..
Other things to consider might be a TVC based design from Dave Slagle or the Silver Rock TVC.. Both of which will give you gain and a relatively low source Z with typical solid state sources. I have heard several of Dave Slagle's TVC and they are excellent performers IMLE. The Silver Rock marketing stuff is rubbish, but theirs also sounds quite nice IMVLE..
What is the signal level needed to drive the power amp to full O/P? If it's less than the 2 V. "standard" digital signal sources produce, you don't need a line stage with gain.
Passive preamp is an oxymoron! However, a passive control center may be satisfactory. A buffered level control, with source switching, rates (IMO) to be the best bet, should line stage gain be unnecessary.
Passive preamp is an oxymoron! However, a passive control center may be satisfactory. A buffered level control, with source switching, rates (IMO) to be the best bet, should line stage gain be unnecessary.
What is the signal level needed to drive the power amp to full O/P? If it's less than the 2 V. "standard" digital signal sources produce, you don't need a line stage with gain.
Passive preamp is an oxymoron! However, a passive control center may be satisfactory. A buffered level control, with source switching, rates (IMO) to be the best bet, should line stage gain be unnecessary.
Hi there!
I checked with the power amp's specs and they won't refer to that value...
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AtmaSphere very well regarded stuff Atma-Sphere music systems, inc.
I am owning a simpler preamp Italian Graaf 13.5 II and absolutly love it. Conrad Johonson/McIntosh gear is another option to consider.
For DIY you may google EF86 or mu-follower.
I am owning a simpler preamp Italian Graaf 13.5 II and absolutly love it. Conrad Johonson/McIntosh gear is another option to consider.
For DIY you may google EF86 or mu-follower.
Again, it has a lot of gain. If I were in the market for a preamp with little to no gain, I'd probably pick up a Firstwatt B1. It will likely embarrass the ones you have linked. And, if you are so inclined, outside of the chassis, you can build one for about $40.
I can only trust your expertise here...
The power amp is this (and he stays forever)
Lyngdorf - Product - SDA 2175
What would you pair it with?
Let me say that it has no character whatsoever. It only amplifies signals - that's it.
The power amp is this (and he stays forever)
Lyngdorf - Product - SDA 2175
What would you pair it with?
Let me say that it has no character whatsoever. It only amplifies signals - that's it.
If the power amplifier is so boring, it is understandable you want to connect an effects box in front of it!
You could say boring, it changes nothing.
This power amp is the epitome of amplification. He can push hundreds of watts effortlesly and in a way you beg for more.
It's the one component I would not change.
Anyway, I read the Owner's Manual for you, it says it has 2V sensitivity.
Also, it has balanced (XLR) inputs too. It is better to get a preamplifier with XLR outputs.
I already have. I'm looking for a second one - different taste - or maybe a replacement.
Again, it has a lot of gain. If I were in the market for a preamp with little to no gain, I'd probably pick up a Firstwatt B1. It will likely embarrass the ones you have linked. And, if you are so inclined, outside of the chassis, you can build one for about $40.
The B1 only offers 2 inputs which is no use...
Any other solution with more inputs maybe?
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