Pre amplifier recommendation

[ipadasher]

I would like to know if anyone knows and can recommend a stereo pre amplifier that has 2 pairs of XLR input and an RCA/XLR HT bypass. I currently have an electrocompaniet EC4.8 but i am looking for something better.

It does not matter if it is SS or tube, but i need at least 2 pairs of stereo XLR input.

Thanks in advance

Ash

 

[audio]

You might check out the Jeff Rowland Design Group's Capri S2. I think it would meet your requirements. They make higher priced preamps as well.

 

[KeithR]

BAT would be my recommendation or perhaps VTL in the balanced pre landscape.

 

[microstrip]

Most Audio Research preamplifiers have several XLR inputs and HT bypass. Can we know what is the power amplifier?

ARC preamplifiers sound great with Electrocompaniet power amplifiers - I had a great sound with a AW250 and a REF2.

 

[ipadasher]

My systems is

Speakers: Kef reference 207/2
Source: Oppo 105 completely moded by rick schultz (amazing difference between the regular oppo and the EVS mod unit)
DAC: PS Audio Directstream
Preamp: Electrocompaniet EC4.8 (the one i want to replace)
Power amp: Bryston 28Bsst2 (really like these amps, in my system work even better than the passa amp x600.5)
Cables: All nordost Valhalla.
Power conditioner: PS Audio P10 power plant and Quantum QX4

I know that for american standards my system is just regular, but I really like what i hear and wanted to improve my preamp.
Maybe I think that adding a tube preamp, it would be a good aditttion for my system

 

[asindc]

I'll do the clichéd thing and recommend what I'm using, but only because it perfectly matches what you describe. Cary SLP-05. Two stereo XLR inputs. One XLR cinema bypass input that also works when the unit is turned off, a valuable feature for a tube preamp when you have rolled very expensive tubes into it. Also has corresponding RCA inputs, of course. Outstanding sound quality. Outstanding build quality. Great company. Works very well with my 28Bs. Look no further, IMO.

 

[ipadasher]

The Cary seems a very good option, how do you compare to the VTL 7.5 series 3 and the audio research 10 or 5SE?

 

[asindc]

The Cary seems a very good option, how do you compare to the VTL 7.5 series 3 and the audio research 10 or 5SE?

Of those you listed, I've only tried the ARC Ref 5 (non-SE) in my system. The ARC is airier, has a wider soundstage, and a bit more transparent. For me, it is a matter of flavor but I prefer the SLP-05 as it felt more dynamic with certain music. I can easily see why some would prefer the Ref 5, however, as my buddy who sold the 05 to me did to buy the Ref 5. I think if you listen primarily to acoustic, small jazz ensembles, and classical European music you might prefer the Ref 5, while if you tastes are quite broad the 05 might be more to your liking.

 

[Bruce B]

I love what I'm using. Pass Labs XP-30
Has 5 XLR or RCA inputs, HT bypass, tape loop and mono input. Also has balanced or SE output with second set of balanced/SE outputs for subs if needed. Can feed a long IC to your amps if needed. I'm using a 9m IC to my amps.

 

[LenWhite]

I would like to know if anyone knows and can recommend a stereo pre amplifier that has 2 pairs of XLR input and an RCA/XLR HT bypass. I currently have an electrocompaniet EC4.8 but i am looking for something better.

It does not matter if it is SS or tube, but i need at least 2 pairs of stereo XLR input.

Thanks in advance

Ash

I own a Lindemann 830S that will fit your requirements. PM me if interested.

 

[rockitman]

I love what I'm using. Pass Labs XP-30
Has 5 XLR or RCA inputs, HT bypass, tape loop and mono input. Also has balanced or SE output with second set of balanced/SE outputs for subs if needed. Can feed a long IC to your amps if needed. I'm using a 9m IC to my amps.

That was my thought too. I know of no other hi end pre that offers a choice of 5 xlr or 5 rca or a combination of the RCA, xlr for 5 input total. The only thing it is missing is a polarity switch, which is included on the XS model.

edit: XS---which I am about to make the call for demo...I am procrastinating the evitable.

 

[AMP]

I'll second (or third) the recommendations made above, and add one key point. If you're looking to automate the HT side of the system through some kind of universal remote control then make sure that there are discrete IR codes available for the selection of the HT input. Many years ago I had a Rowland Coherence Series II and although the bypass input worked there was no way to select that input directly via a remote. The only codes the unit understood were for sequentially cycling through all of the inputs.

Ultimately I replaced the Rowland with a VTL TL-7.5 Series II and never looked back. Being able to automate the HT side was an absolute requirement for inter-spousal happiness and that was justification enough for a nice upgrade

 

[ipadasher]

ASINDC,

Three questions:

1 - Do you have any experience no changing the stock tubes?
2 - How does the remote control works?
3 - Do you have the 28BSST2 or the 28BSST?

 

[JackD201]

That was my thought too. I know of no other hi end pre that offers a choice of 5 xlr or 5 rca or a combination of the RCA, xlr for 5 input total. The only thing it is missing is a polarity switch, which is included on the XS model.

edit: XS---which I am about to make the call for demo...I am procrastinating the evitable.

You're dead meat and you know it

 

[asindc]

ASINDC,

Three questions:

1 - Do you have any experience no changing the stock tubes?

Yes, and my wallet is much lighter for it! The best 6SN7 tubes are NOS from the 40s and 50s and they are damn expensive, but they sound oh so good. The stock tubes are not bad, btw, just not as good as you can get.

2 - How does the remote control works?

The new remote is much better than the old, which I just had to replace because it decided to retire after seven years. In the more recent builds, the re-designed circuit board includes an upgrade of the remote control functions. You should know that the remote only controls volume and mute, at least in older versions like mine.

3 - Do you have the 28BSST2 or the 28BSST?

28B-SST2, built last year.

 

[ipadasher]

Yes, and my wallet is much lighter for it! The best 6SN7 tubes are NOS from the 40s and 50s and they are damn expensive, but they sound oh so good. The stock tubes are not bad, btw, just not as good as you can get.




28B-SST2, built last year.

Where Can I found these tubes online?

What do you think of your Brystons? I like mine so much, and there a lot of people that do not like bryston, but i have never seen a bad review of this specific model.

 

[asindc]

Where Can I found these tubes online?

What do you think of your Brystons? I like mine so much, and there a lot of people that do not like bryston, but i have never seen a bad review of this specific model.

Tubedepot, thetubestore, and ebay are some of the places to find NOS tubes, though with ebay you have to be careful, of course. The very best NOS tubes don't come up often, so you have to be fortuitous in some respect.

The 28Bs are wonderful. Almost non-existent background and excellent presentation in all areas. Had Parasound JC1s before these, which were very hard to beat and are absolutely the best SS amps under $10K, but the 28Bs are clearly on a higher level. They are destination amps as far as I'm concerned.

 

[musicargyle]

Check out Jeff Rowland Chorus w/ out board power supply pre owned on Audiogone. Great preamp at $16k retail used in excellent condition $7200 I would think. I own one and must say it is very musical & has many great features. Also the new Capri II is very nice.