Need Pre-amp advice

dangerbird · « **on:** 15 Apr 2006, 11:17 am »

Currently have an Audible Illusions M-3 with a Belles 350 amp,looking to move up the pre-amp ladder,remote not required,any suggestions would be appreciated. Budget=1000.00

MaxCast · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Apr 2006, 12:19 pm »

If I read this right 1k is less than your current pre and you want to go up the ladder??

Do you want to stay with tubes?

dangerbird · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Apr 2006, 12:44 pm »

Yes, I want to move up,should have said,1500.00,used is fine,as I paid 500.00 for the M-3,so I'm looking to spend about 1500.00 for another tube pre,--thanks for the reply--george

MaxCast · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Apr 2006, 01:00 pm »

There is AVA and Odyssey's new pre.

Then there is the "if you can spend a little more by selling your AI"
choices. Modwright and SAS preamps get good reviews.

Gordy · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Apr 2006, 02:00 pm »

The Modwright is my favorite by far of all the pre's I've heard in my system! Closer to your price point... the Juicy Music Peach is also an excellent choice, though a bit warmer in it's presentation... a very good thing for many systems! The EE Mini Max can be had for ~$1200, I think, and it too is a great choice... and very adaptable to tonal tuning depending on your choice of tubes. I've not heard the EE MM in my system, but have heard it extensively in Nature Boy's

zeke · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Apr 2006, 03:31 pm »

I don't think you will be doing any "ladder climbing" in the dollar range you are talking. You will get a different sound by changing, so it really is a matter of sound preferences.

Years ago i had an AIM3 and thought it was very good. Since then i've had 11 other preamps -- all sounded different --- but which one i thought was better was based more on sound prefferences and system synergy.

If you are sticking to tube pre's, it may be a good idea to buy one that allows tube rolling ---- giving you the option to change the sound somewhat ...........

my 2 cents .......

Vtech2000 · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Apr 2006, 12:46 am »

You can't go wrong with the ModWright.

dangerbird · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Apr 2006, 10:26 am »

Thanks for the replies,been playing with tubes,before I make any changes,I think that I may upgrade my CDP first,heard a Meridian,via a Melos pre,SWEET. Again,,thanks

nickspicks · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 Apr 2006, 11:32 am »

Quote from: Gordy

The Modwright is my favorite by far of all the pre's I've heard in my system!

ditto