Greetings - thanks for stopping in. I'm returning to Hi-Fi post the children years. I'm looking for a preamp that would suite my taste and I'm hoping to gleen insights from you more knowledgable folks as I've been out of the hobby for some time.
Current gear
VPI Classic 2. Dynavector 17d3 cart.
Esoteric DV60 CD/DVD
Audio Research SP11
Denon HA500. MC step up
ASL Hurricanes
Coincident Super Eclipse III
My desire to dig deeper into vinyl peaked when a friend sold me a used Dynavector XV-1s. My thought was the the Denon step up was not commensurate of the new cartridge and I needed to address that.
After a deep reading here and elsewhere the brands of phono stages that were within budget were; Aesthetix Rhea, Harron VTPH2, Zesto Andros, an Ear and a few others were on my list.
In my quest, someone in my local market had the Rhea for sale, it's reputation, remote and ease of configuration made it very attractive. I had the opportunity to audition in depth. When I asked my host what he was keeping, he had a Herron in his rig. While the Herron did have some tube rolling done, the Rhea had recent tubes replaced from the factory, had been broken in. The difference was stunning, the Herron was far more musical, and tonally accurate. Tighter bass and a more natural mid & highs. Okay, the Rhea is out.
While reading about the Herrons I found a lot of excitement for the Zesto, and where someone actually compared the two, the Zesto was preferred. I found a Zesto at a used price and purchased it.
So now my rack over flows, the Zesto inbound and the 2 chassis Audio Reseach SP11, something needs to go. I have enjoyed the AR very much, however I know after listening to a Audible Illusions and a Doge in my system previously, the the AR is showing its design age.
For me the AR was tonally rich, non fatiguing, though it was not as detailed as I would like. So I'm searching for a single chassis preamp that will take my system to a higher level. Based on lots of readings I have come up with a list of units I'd pick from. They are, in no particular order:
Herron VTSP-3A
Aesthetix Calypso
Hovland HP100
Modwright LS100
TRL Dude
I would have had the Coincident Line Stage in this list, however i need 4 inputs. I suppose I could stick with something like an AR Ref 3, I suspect my value would be better placed elsewhere. Currently my amps didn't have a balanced input so that's not a prevailing issue.
I've also had some longer listening session with a modified MFA Lumescience, the octal 6sn7 is a great arrangement. Hence my interest in the Dude.
So my question is this, I'd love to learn from those who have compared the 5 on my list. How did they compare in your opinion, what did you like, and most importantly - why?
The only way I'll purchase is used, this racket is too expensive otherwise in this fickle world of audioitist. While I might stretch to 4k, 3k or less is ideal would be easier to take because I could buy that much more vinyl.
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Ian
