My own pre amp shoot out!

batmanslc · « **on:** 17 Apr 2003, 06:15 pm »

Lately I've been focusing on my preamp to feed a PS audio hca-2. Self imposed limit around $1,000 new or used. Had a FT audio passive then picked up an AVA Omegastar 2 months ago. That is great, more 'realism' and drive and no downside. Ordered a 'used' T7 from AVA and received it last week. It is GREAT,

the Omegastar had a slight edge around the notes 'slight' but noticable. the T7 smoothes that all out and provides more detail and transparency. Notes are flowing naturally and from the space and time the recording engineer intended (good and bad). Cymbals on P Barber CD's never sounded so good or lifelike with no 'edge or hardness.

So while I'm here, why not try the IRD LLC-P? It looks nice and has 30 day return as does the AVA, so I emailed Curt and some are landed in the USA so here we go. Hopefully I'll have that next week. I love this sport.

Will keep you posted. Let me know if there are any other viable candidates out there.

After this I'm going to work on the room and talk with eigth nerve

Tyson · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Apr 2003, 06:17 pm »

Try some Siemens tubes in the T7 - gave me a more nicely rounded and filled out sound. I've got some Mullards on order, which should push it even more in that direction. Love the T7!

Sa-dono · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Apr 2003, 06:21 pm »

What didn't you like about the FT audio? I've seen that unit raved about by some. Also, what other associated gear are you running for these comparisons? TIA!

batmanslc · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Apr 2003, 09:09 pm »

Sa-dono,

It's not that I did'nt like the FT pre, I loved it for over a year, it fit with my Stratos nicely (with a SCE HRS unit in between). It was dead quiet and like all that you read very neutral and honest to the music. At the price I would highly recommend.
After reading all this great stuff about AVA, an Omegastar popped up on Audiogon at a great price so I grabbed it.
Although not as dead quiet. the AVA was like a fresh Stoli Martini, it breathed new life into the system. A step up in Vibrancy, life, realism.

Source: Tosh SD-9200 (much better redbook than 9000es' I like one box for dvd/cd ....would a S Nixon dac help much???? )

Amp: PS audio hca-2 (previous was stratos stereo)

Quad 12L monitors and TALON Roc sub (incredible sub)
I'm looking for VSA VR-1 mmonitors and maybe Criterions
Zu oxyfuel IC and wax spkr cables

These are integrated into home theater with Paradigm cc-350 center and Titan surrounds/ SHerwood Newcastle Receiver/ Sony KP46WT500 HDTV

OBF · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Apr 2003, 09:22 pm »

I'd sure like to hear how the IRD preamp compares to the AVA. Please keep us informed on what you find.

Sa-dono · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Apr 2003, 09:43 pm »

Quote from: batmanslc

Sa-dono,

It's not that I did'nt like the FT pre, I loved it for over a year, it fit with my Stratos nicely (with a SCE HRS unit in between). It was dead quiet and like all that you read very neutral and honest to the music. At the price I would highly recommend.
After reading all this great stuff about AVA, an Omegastar popped up on Audiogon at a great price so I grabbed it.
Although not as dead quiet. the AVA was like a fresh Stoli Martini, it breathed new life into the system. A step up in Vibrancy, life, realism.

Thanks for the reply batmanslc! I didn't mean to imply that you didn't like it. I was just trying to understand what you felt were its weak points or what you felt the AVA improved upon, and you answered that...so thanks again!