JustAuBy Posted August 10, 2017 Share Posted August 10, 2017 I'm needing some help deciding on a pre-amp for my new setup. A few things that i require are listed below. I prefer to purchase on the used market but i'm not against buying new if it's within my budget. System so far: PC running Tidal/Hi-Rez DSD -> PS Audio Directwave Jr. -> Hypex Ncore NC400's -> DIY Corner loaded Radian RADIAN 5215Be's Needed Features on Pre Amp - Balanced XLR In/Out -Tuuuuuuuubes -Under $1500 -Subwoofer out/bass management (would be a bonus but not needed) Some examples i have been looking at so far are: AUDIO RESEARCH LS15, Schiit Freya, Cary Audio SLP 03, Cary Audio SLP-2002, Sonic Frontiers Line 2. If you have any other pre's that I'm not aware of with a positive experience i would love to hear them or any experience with the above listed pre's. Thanks for your time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebes Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 I play mostly vinyl so I can't claim familiarity with these line stage pres. However, one of the most respected members here, Mikebsa2a3, is our expert on Cary products, a big fan, and very knowledgeable about all things tube. Drop him a PM. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J M O N Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 Although I haven't owned them personally, you might also want to look into Balanced Audio Technology (BAT). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbphoto Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 If I could side track briefly, I'd be interested in your experience and opinions on the PS Audio Directstream JR. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No.4 Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 6 hours ago, pbphoto said: If I could side track briefly, I'd be interested in your experience and opinions on the PS Audio Directstream JR. To add to this side track, how about some info on your speaker setup, I seem to remember the radians are pretty efficient. What kind of cabinet have you built for them? Sorry for not having any input on balanced pre amps. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustAuBy Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 The PS Audio Junior is hands down the best dac i've owned or heard. I've had a Benchmark Dac2 and an Eastern Electric Minimax Plus DAC's in the past. Having there new Bridge II already installed on it makes for incorporating your library and using Roon or Tidal a breeze. The ability to upgrade the DSJ was a big selling point for me too. I haven't received my Radian 5215Be's yet. Currently using my Tekton Pendragons as a place holder. I do however have the cabinets in place and ready for them. Radian needs to get on their horse and ship them already. I'll give a quick listening impression whenever i have them going. The cabs are Bentwood Horns corner horn loaded with a 15" diameter. Thought about going for a Horn/CD but was just too interested in the Coaxial Radian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustAuBy Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 I really would like an Atma-Sphere Mp-3, however with the new project I'm running short on fundage. http://www.atma-sphere.com/Products/#MP-3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclefred Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 You might look into the Schitt Freya. Balanced and SE, passive, jfet or tube mode. Two tube gain stage, two tube followers. $699 http://www.schiit.com/products/freya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HPower Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 I would suggest... http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649359029-sonic-frontiers-line-2se/ Fantastic preamp and can still be serviced / updated by Chris Johnson at Parts Connexion. I am running a Parts Connexion upgraded Line 1 with great results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustAuBy Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustAuBy Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 I was able to get the drivers installed, xo's wired, dsp completed, and music played last night. The beryllium high frequency is some of the best i've ever heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babadono Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 On 8/17/2017 at 9:36 AM, unclefred said: You might look into the Schitt Freya. Balanced and SE, passive, jfet or tube mode. Two tube gain stage, two tube followers. $699 http://www.schiit.com/products/freya Visit us at: The Schiitter? LOL and there is more: After all, this is probably the only time guys can plan to go to the Schiitr together. More LOL 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justinsweber Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 So you don't need a true balanced pre. Just the connections? Changes the value /price formula. The super simple preamps done by audio karma members are amazing sounding. Even better with input transformers. The audio nirvana stuff is great but Only RCAs. You might speak with him about a custom unit with only xlr. Van Alsten too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustAuBy Posted September 15, 2017 Author Share Posted September 15, 2017 I don't believe my existing equipment is fully balanced. They do have XLR's which i enjoy (and i already have the cables). A sub woofer out is also nice but i'm finding that i may not need them with my most recent build. If i do i'm going to build an Othorn or Skhorn which can pull double duty with the theater i'm building. I wasn't aware that Audio Nirvana made a pre-amp. Are we speaking of the same company with Dave Dicks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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