Expert advice on what preamp to chose

[CENTRAL]

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!

[costis_n]

"complex output stage "... cute. But with 30 cent capacitors? How much do they charge?

[CENTRAL]

Originally Posted by costis_n

"complex output stage "... cute. But with 30 cent capacitors? How much do they charge?

1400 Gbp each...

[DF96]

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.

[CENTRAL]

Thank you!

Maybe I' m thinking wrong...

[CENTRAL]

In case you may propose a solution for a "solid" tube preamp, please let me know!

[jdsackett]

I built this one. I like it. http://www.electra-print.com/images/ultrapath.jpg

[KrankKall]

If the phono stage is of....'no big interest'.
You might want to consider a passive preamplifier?

Steve

[kevinkr]

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..

[Eli Duttman]

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.