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December 27, 2006 - 10:09am

#1

markeef

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Preamp Rookie Looking for Good Advice

I'm new to the preamp world, been using integrated systems forever. I'm looking into a preamp as an option before I upgrade.

I will be using the amp with a pair of LINN 5140 and a Vandersteen subwoofer. I will also be running a rega p3 or p5 phono as well.

So far I've been pointed in the direction of the VTL TL 2.5 or Modulus 3A as "budget" refence preamps, or the VTL 5.5 as a step up.

Any good advice on these two or comparably prices ($1500 - $2500) preamps that would be viable options?

Thanks in advance!

MAF

December 27, 2006 - 1:08pm

#2

CECE

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Re: Preamp Rookie Looking for Good Advice

www.avahifi.com OmegaStaar EX ss or Ultra SL or EC Hybrid SL will keep the price down, superb STUFF. Way beyond it's mortal prices

December 27, 2006 - 2:45pm

#3

Jeff Wong

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Re: Preamp Rookie Looking for Good Advice

The Audible Illusions Modulus 3A is probably a good choice. It has a built-in phono section. As I recall, it inverts polarity, so you'll have to switch your red and black speaker leads.

There were some thoughts posted on it in an earlier thread:

http://forum.stereophile.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=9571&an=0&page=5

December 28, 2006 - 1:24am

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Yiangos

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Re: Preamp Rookie Looking for Good Advice

Jeff Rowland has a new "cheap" pre-amp.Do check their site.

January 5, 2007 - 5:07am

#5

mapper94

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Re: Preamp Rookie Looking for Good Advice

MAF,

One potential option is a passive pre-amp if your speakers are fairly efficient (above 87db). Passive preamps are often overlooked and some believe that all passive units will slaughter dynamics and have limited bass. The Simaudio Moon I5 had a passive preamp section yet it sounded fantastic.

Last year I switched from a passive Rotel Michi preamp to a Simaudio Moon P5/PSP. Most audiophiles thumb their noses up at Rotel anything but the change in sound was not drastic. The passive unit was not only very good but it was significantly cheaper. I would have been perfectly happy to continue with the Michi but my Totem Mani-2s are very inefficient.