I am trying to find a hiqh quality, balanced pre-amp...

[AudioDoctor]

2 hours ago, hopkins said:

 

Gee that reminds me of someone! 🤣 Sorry AudioDoctor, could not help it. 

 

Yourself?

[AudioDoctor]

5 hours ago, Jud said:

If budget is no object, whatever Spectral's top of the line is these days.

 

I checked. If it is indeed their TOTL it's ~18,000 USD.

[Rexp]

If you're going solid state, Gryphon are better than Pass labs. 

[Jud]

26 minutes ago, AudioDoctor said:

 

I checked. If it is indeed their TOTL it's ~18,000 USD.

 

Well, you know, Porsches vs. Hondas and all that.... 😉

[AudioDoctor]

31 minutes ago, Rexp said:

If you're going solid state, Gryphon are better than Pass labs. 

 

What if I wasn't going solid state?

[Rexp]

4 minutes ago, AudioDoctor said:

 

What if I wasn't going solid state?

The valve options from CAT, Conrad Johnson, Cary etc I like are not balanced. 

[AudioDoctor]

So after some research I discovered that there are no Topping devices on the Stereophile Recommended Components list, but there is a Pass Labs XP-22 and an ARC Ref 6 SE.

[AudioDoctor]

7 hours ago, botrytis said:

 

I don't think so - I think he is truly just trying to help. The rest are just OT.

 

Mr. Rubinson seems to be very level headed bloke.

 

Are you sure about that?

[Bkg]

Happy to connect with a friend who has an AudioNet I think he’d sell thats located in San Jose… 

 

It’s not the entry level model, but I forget what one it is… 

 

IMHO this would be a significant step up from the others listed and be around the high end of what I understand to be your budget. 

[R1200CL]

@AudioDoctor

Does it have to be a new one ?

I think you didn't say anything about budget ?

 

What DAC do you have, and any reason not to consider Theta ?

[Bkg]

@AudioDoctormy friend’s unit is a Pre G3 (the step below the Stein). 
 

it’s obviously used and in my opinion, an exceptional piece of gear 

[GregWormald]

13 hours ago, AudioDoctor said:

 

Why did you choose the SimAudio instead?

Basically, the sound quality and the functionality.

 

The story—

I wanted something that matched the quality of my new speakers (fully active) and DAC, and had excellent volume control. My current pre is over 30 years old and despite being well maintained is the weak point in my system.

 

With zombies curtailing much auditioning I started to read copiously and settled on reviewers who appeared “serious” and were just not just repeating the PR blurbs.

The SimAudio Moon received much enthusiastic praise for its flexibility and neutrality and no negatives anywhere.

 

I liked the very fine volume control, and the way they put the volume inside the main circuits rather than as an ‘outside’ loop. The ±10 dB control of each input appealed, as did the completely balanced configuration. Both a R-L balance control and a way to connect my headphone amplifier were a must.

 

I was impressed that they offered a 10 year warranty and that they made many of the components themselves.

 

I went out and auditioned one of its younger siblings and liked both the sound and the ergonomics. The visual design was a bonus.

 

I decided to order one and was told there wasn’t one in Australia and the wait time would be a minimum of 22 weeks with likely delivery well after Christmas.

 

At this point I started reviewing my reading, looking for a second choice. I also wrote to SimAudio expressing my disappointment and asking if my sister in Vancouver could buy one and send it to me.

 

I had decided on the Pass XP-12 as a viable option, the reviews were almost as good as the 740P, and I was setting up an audition when Simaudio replied.

 

They said that the 240 volt models were not supplied in North America and that it would be a grey import anyway and without support in Australia. However they would make one up especially for me and insure it was in my hands in 6 six weeks if ordered. 

 

As it was my first choice, I ordered. I also ordered a phono pre from them. I did not audition the XP-12 after that.

 

 

[AudioDoctor]

42 minutes ago, R1200CL said:

@AudioDoctor

Does it have to be a new one ?

I think you didn't say anything about budget ?

 

What DAC do you have, and any reason not to consider Theta ?

 

I have a Lampizator Pacific Balanced DAC. I havent got there yet, I don't know anything about Theta so I need to research it.

 

35 minutes ago, Bkg said:

@AudioDoctormy friend’s unit is a Pre G3 (the step below the Stein). 
 

it’s obviously used and in my opinion, an exceptional piece of gear 

 

Used is fine IMO as long as it is in good condition and well cared for.

[AudioDoctor]

6 minutes ago, GregWormald said:

Basically, the sound quality and the functionality.

 

The story—

I wanted something that matched the quality of my new speakers (fully active) and DAC, and had excellent volume control. My current pre is over 30 years old and despite being well maintained is the weak point in my system.

 

With zombies curtailing much auditioning I started to read copiously and settled on reviewers who appeared “serious” and were just not just repeating the PR blurbs.

The SimAudio Moon received much enthusiastic praise for its flexibility and neutrality and no negatives anywhere.

 

I liked the very fine volume control, and the way they put the volume inside the main circuits rather than as an ‘outside’ loop. The ±10 dB control of each input appealed, as did the completely balanced configuration. Both a R-L balance control and a way to connect my headphone amplifier were a must.

 

I was impressed that they offered a 10 year warranty and that they made many of the components themselves.

 

I went out and auditioned one of its younger siblings and liked both the sound and the ergonomics. The visual design was a bonus.

 

I decided to order one and was told there wasn’t one in Australia and the wait time would be a minimum of 22 weeks with likely delivery well after Christmas.

 

At this point I started reviewing my reading, looking for a second choice. I also wrote to SimAudio expressing my disappointment and asking if my sister in Vancouver could buy one and send it to me.

 

I had decided on the Pass XP-12 as a viable option, the reviews were almost as good as the 740P, and I was setting up an audition when Simaudio replied.

 

They said that the 240 volt models were not supplied in North America and that it would be a grey import anyway and without support in Australia. However they would make one up especially for me and insure it was in my hands in 6 six weeks if ordered. 

 

As it was my first choice, I ordered. I also ordered a phono pre from them. I did not audition the XP-12 after that.

 

 

 

Nice, good customer service is a definite bonus too!

[botrytis]

8 hours ago, AudioDoctor said:

 

Are you sure about that?

 

Being civil means giving people a chance.

 

I know he has helped others, including me.

[firedog]

16 hours ago, AudioDoctor said:

@Kal Rubinson Do you come to my posts to argue and attempt to make stupid and silly points?

His posts aren't argumentative and are no more stupid and silly than yours. 

[firedog]

6 hours ago, AudioDoctor said:

 

Nice, good customer service is a definite bonus too!

From your various comments sounds like you should get a Lampizator Pre.

[Summit]

On 9/20/2021 at 5:35 AM, AudioDoctor said:

A pre-amp that is truly balanced, a pre-amp that has a wide range of volume control, and a pre-amp that doesn't reach max output at .6 volts... My DACs output 3V and 4V respectively, in balanced mode.

 

Your suggestions will be appreciated.

 

Aesthetix Janus Signature or Eclipse 

ARC 5 or ARC 6

MOON 740P 

Constellation Audio Inspiration

[Summit]

20 hours ago, Jud said:

If budget is no object, whatever Spectral's top of the line is these days.

 

Yes Spectral is one of the best I have heard. 

[AudioDoctor]

3 hours ago, firedog said:

From your various comments sounds like you should get a Lampizator Pre.

 

Because I think Customer Service is important?

[The Computer Audiophile]

22 hours ago, Jud said:

If budget is no object, whatever Spectral's top of the line is these days.

 

Not so sure Spectral is the way to go for those who like balanced operation. Spectral advocates using its products single ended. Other than that, fantastic stuff. 

[The Computer Audiophile]

@AudioDoctor Look at the Constellation Audio Inspiration Preamp. I've had it for years. Rock solid. Sounds fantastic. 

 

https://www.constellationaudio.com/index.php/inspiration/preamp-10

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Dare I say, you could come over and have a listen if needed. 

[firedog]

1 hour ago, AudioDoctor said:

 

Because I think Customer Service is important?

I was under the impression they had good customer service. Not true?

[AudioDoctor]

4 minutes ago, firedog said:

I was under the impression they had good customer service. Not true?

 

And this is an attempt at what exactly?