sleepysurf
Well-known member
Currently using a Squeezebox as source into a Benchmark DAC-1, direct to my Sunfire Cinema Grand 200, driving Aerius i's. Given the constraints of my room, I'd give my setup a B+ in overall imaging and fidelity. Having recently heard Craig's SS Summit system, and another's tubed system with (with fairly inexpensive) dynamic speakers, and marveling at both systems imaging and "sweeter" sound, I'm starting to think that adding a GOOD tubed Preamp to my system (thinking of the Modwright SWL 9.0), might take me to the next level. I've currently pulled my Aerius' out 4 ft from the back wall, and WAF limits any further acoustic tweaks.
For those of you pairing a Tube Pre with a SS Amp, how much REAL improvement did it make? Besides a "sweeter" top end, did imaging improve at all? Aside from the Modwright (which I can get used for <$1700 on A'gon), what other Pre's should I consider? I need TWO outs (to accommodate home theater), and have a budget of ~$1800. Alternatively, I'd save the $$ and put it towards a pair of Vantages down the road.
For those of you pairing a Tube Pre with a SS Amp, how much REAL improvement did it make? Besides a "sweeter" top end, did imaging improve at all? Aside from the Modwright (which I can get used for <$1700 on A'gon), what other Pre's should I consider? I need TWO outs (to accommodate home theater), and have a budget of ~$1800. Alternatively, I'd save the $$ and put it towards a pair of Vantages down the road.