Preamp recommendations

[Russr]

If it were me, I'd probably go with the Anthem STR pre... maybe re-evaluate the requirement for an external (ROSE) DAC. Price point is a bit (!) higher than you're looking for, but it's one helluva unit and will blend nicely with you existing amps.

 

[Tmort]

If it were me, I'd probably go with the Anthem STR pre... maybe re-evaluate the requirement for an external (ROSE) DAC. Price point is a bit (!) higher than you're looking for, but it's one helluva unit and will blend nicely with you existing amps.

Thanks for that, yes I already have the rose unit and a great phono preamp so I don’t really need the all in one preamp like the STR, Anthem does make great equipment though and my McA225 mk2 did well for me for a couple years, now it drives my bottom end as the Magtech is definitely better on the panels.

 

[amey01]

Thanks for that, yes I already have the rose unit and a great phono preamp so I don’t really need the all in one preamp like the STR, Anthem does make great equipment though and my McA225 mk2 did well for me for a couple years, now it drives my bottom end as the Magtech is definitely better on the panels.

A little OT, but what's compensating for differing input sensitivity (and drive output) on your amps?

 

[Tmort]

A little OT, but what's compensating for differing input sensitivity (and drive output) on your amps?

On topic I’ve inquired of Rose about the set output versus variable (preamp) settings to see if there’s any difference in them. Note that when you select the fixed output there’s a menu of output levels to select from).
There’s a large forum community and like me, many have found it sounds better when run thru a preamp so waiting word on that.
As for the bi-amping yes there’s a difference in gain Anthem vs Sanders amps and I was concerned initially it’d lead to trouble there but versus simple bi-wiring from one amp it sounds just fine. The differing power of the amps is likely countering the gain delta.
I’m part of an audiophile group locally, some very critical ears loved the results (mostly via vinyl, prior to the rose unit).

 

[twich54]

My point was, he doesn't need the linestage. The R150B is a $10k streamer/DAC/preamp, replete with analogue-in.

Why would the OP buy that? If he wanted an analogue preamp, he could have bought a cheap Bluesound or MusicCast, DAC and pre.

But when you spend $10k on what is for all analyses a brilliant digital and analogue preamp - why would you want to go and add a second gain stage for sh1ts and giggles?

ARC LS28 (just to use a basic analogue preamp as an example) is similar price here in Australia. Why would anyone go out and buy an LS28 - then say "I've got $3k to add a second preamp after the LS28". It defies logic.

you read to much into it, I was merly pointing out that if he has a outboard phono pre then a full on pre-amp is not needed. if he wants to use a full featured streamer as a pre, so be it, but he did express the need(want) for something else.

As for your ARC LS28 comment, since that is what I have I fully understand and by the way it is not a full featured pre, rather a 'line stage', thus my external phono-pre.

 

[amey01]

ARC LS28 comment, since that is what I have

Exactly. And it's waaay better than a $3k preamp, daisy-chained in series to a streaming preamp, isn't it? You're making my point for me Dave

But as I said to the OP - his system, his choice. My opinion doesn't matter - I only gave it because he asked.

 

[Tmort]

To close this loop I purchased the primaluna evo 400 preamp and she’s working wonderfully in the system! I couldn’t find much support in terms of reviews or even with dealers for that McIntosh preamp so I went with the primaluna.