Looking for a new Pre-Amplifier.....

[Gazzip]

I am exploring the options for changing my Audio Research Ref5SE to something solid state. The Musical Fidelity M8 is on my audition list and is being shipped out to me for home audition next week. Just wondering if anybody has heard it and has any thoughts?

Also are there any alternatives I should be considering? The budget goes up to £10K but I see no point in spending that much on ultra high end if I can get a great sound below that price level. 2nd hand also suits me fine.

Thanks!

 

[Gazzip]

Needs to be a fully balanced design (long run to power amps); HT Bypass would be nice but not a deal breaker; no onboard DAC required.

Sonic attributes I am looking for are open; detailed (not too bright); mid-range specialty (love my vocals); possibly a touch of warmth but only a cuddles worth; good controlled bass but not blooming bass (the 15" drivers will massacre that)

thanks!

 

[CnoEvil]

It's not SS, but the now discontinued MF AMS Primo would, I believe, fit the bill sonically.

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/support/discontinued-products/ams-series/primo/

 

[Electro]

The ideal preamp must be the Bryston BP 26 but I would guess you have tried one already as you have a pair of 7B's .

One alternative I can recommend is the Electrocompaniet EC 4.8 preamp , it is fully balanced from input to output and will drive long balanced xlr interconnects to your monoblocks , I know because this is exactly what I do .

It is dual mono preamp with two completely separate mono preamps in one box , it also has HT bypass and tick's all you boxes performance wise .

The retail price is about £3800

Here is a review .

http://dagogo.com/electrocompaniet-ec-4-8-preamplifier-review

And the spec .

http://www.electrocompaniet.no/products/classic/preamp/ec48.html

 

[Frank Harvey]

I'd give the Chord CPA3000 and the Classe CP800 a whirl - been hearing quite a few systems recently with these pre-amps, and all have been wonderful (using their own power amps). The CPA3000 would be the better bet as you already have a top notch DAC. It's a shame Classe don't release a purely analogue version of the CP800 for those in your situation, or for those those only wishing to use vinyl.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi Gazzip

Arcam's C49, ATC's SCA2 and Hegel's P30 are also worth a look

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft