Need pre suggestions for my Monarchy SM70Pro.

bundee1 · « **on:** 8 Aug 2004, 02:23 am »

I got my Monarchy and right now Im using it with a crap-o Gemini mixer as a pre because Ive been without music for about 3 days. My wife found me shivering on the floor jonesing bad. So I hooked it up for the music and the sound is acceptable but somehow closed in with 2d highs. The mids are great and the bass is pretty good. Interestingly the sound was worse with my Synergistic Research Alpha Sterlings. So I switched them for some cheap red and white RCAs that came with my Philips and the sound is decent.

Now I need to decide between a Creek OBH-12($205 used) or Luminous Audio Axiom passive($165 new). I can also go for a PS Audio 4.x series passive/active pre($120 used). I owed one briefly and I liked the sound but its too big for my shelf and these units are from the 80's.I wont exclude full size units but prefer small ones. Can you and the rest of this forum help me decide?

dave_c · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Aug 2004, 03:11 am »

I used to own a pair of SM-70's. Here are my suggestions:

1. Even if you only have one now, get a pre that's fully balanced (not just blanced outputs) They sound so much better as balanced mono's that you might as well plan on running them that way.

2. I liked the sound I got with an Electrocompaniet EC 4.6. It's fully balanced, has a remote and looks decent enough. Along with that it sounds great in the midrange and smooth in the highs.

3. Silver IC's worked well. I used Homegrown Audio Silver Lace XLR with nice results. Didn't really get to try anything else.

Have fun with them! They are great sounding amps with the right component matching.

ABEX · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Aug 2004, 07:59 am »

I know a FT Audio Passive is said to work good with them. I do not know what the output of your particular amp is though.

If interested you could cantact Paul Lam to see what he can do. I used one last year and might buy another one. They also have an outboard Remote that is an add-on.

dave_c · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Aug 2004, 03:41 am »

Not sure if this is more than you wanted to spend, but it would make a great companion to a pair of SM-70 Pro's.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=12317

bundee1 · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Aug 2004, 02:25 pm »

Thanks dave c but thats a bit too rich for my blood.