Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
gordiem;293587 Wrote: 1. Are you familiar with the the PRe2P and, if so, what is your opinion of it. yes, I know it but have not listened to it. It didn't meet my needs for similar/matching SNR performance as the TP. PRE2 is 80 dB SNR while the TP is about 125 dB SNR. I love that absolutely quiet noise floor you get with excellent SNR at high volume and balanced interconnects. gordiem;293587 Wrote: 2. Can I use it in the manner he suggests, and can you explain unity gain in terms that I can understand. Sure, unity gain means that on the SSP setting the volume is controlled by the SSP not the preamp. THis is a useful feature, but not absolutely required. gordiem;293587 Wrote: 3. Is the $2000 range a good price for this piece used. That is in the ballpark. You could check audiogon or usedprice.com if you want to know blue book values for sure. gordiem;293587 Wrote: 4. Is there a burn-in period for the phono stage alone. I've read that it may take 100 hours or more, and this guy says he hasn't used the phono section...hence his reason for giving it up for a PRe2 with no phono. Oh dear audiophile holy war territory. Some say yes, some say no. I have never heard a coherent technical explanation of burn in on things without tubes, and I prefer my physics grounded in actual science, but hey, that's just opinion right? I have pretty much settled on a Pass Labs X2.5 for myself... -- Eric Carroll Transporter-Bryston 3B SST-Paradigm Reference Studio 60 v.4 SB3-Rotel RB890-BW Matrix 805 SB3-Krell Showcase-Bel Canto EVo6 GenII x2-Paradigm Signature S8/C1/C5/BD 500 ReadyNAS NV+ Eric Carroll's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9293 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
Eric Carroll;274082 Wrote: I am a big Bel Canto fan - I have the Evo6 Gen II amps and love them. Except for the price the pre3 and predecessors look amazing. Eric, I have been in contact with a Bel Canto exec who will sell me his personally owned PRe2P. I'm interested because of its phono section. My Integra DTC 9.8 analog processing is average at best. He says with its unity gain capability I can use it for HT bypass. Being that you are a Bel Canto fan, I have 2 questions for you: 1. Are you familiar with the the PRe2P and, if so, what is your opinion of it. 2. Can I use it in the manner he suggests, and can you explain unity gain in terms that I can understand. Ok, 3 questions... 3. Is the $2000 range a good price for this piece used. Ok, 4 questions... 4. Is there a burn-in period for the phono stage alone. I've read that it may take 100 hours or more, and this guy says he hasn't used the phono section...hence his reason for giving it up for a PRe2 with no phono. Thanks, gordiem -- gordiem gordiem's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16997 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
Eric Carroll;274082 Wrote: I am a big Bel Canto fan - I have the Evo6 Gen II amps and love them. Except for the price the pre3 and predecessors look amazing. Eric, I have been in contact with a Bel Canto exec who will sell me his personally owned PRe2P. I'm interested because of its phono section. My Integra DTC 9.8 analog processing is average at best. He says with its unity gain capability I can use it for HT bypass. Being that you are a Bel Canto fan, I have 2 questions for you: 1. Are you familiar with the the PRe2P and, if so, what is your opinion of it. 2. Can I use it in the manner he suggests, and can you explain unity gain in terms that I can understand. Ok, 3 questions... 3. Is the $2000 range a good price for this piece used. Ok, 4 questions... 4. Is there a burn-in period for the phono stage alone. I've read that it may take 100 hours or more, and this guy says he hasn't used the phono section...hence his reason for giving it up for a PRe2 with no phono. Thanks, gordiem -- gordiem gordiem's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16997 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
Eric, have you had a chance to look at the Belles piece? The majority of 2 channel pre's with HT Bypass are typically tube oriented pieces. I am still thinking about other good solutions for you. I have to say I am very surprised parasound did not include HT Bypass. One would think they would want to market it to customers of theirs with their SSP looking for greater 2 channel resolution. -- rydenfan rydenfan's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15335 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
I now have the Bel Canto Pre3 connected up, amazing and not as expensive as you would think. So far HT Bypass works perfectly. I'm using a SB3 with either a Benchmark DAC1 or CEC DA53 as the external DAC, my HT pre/pro is a Rotel RSP-1068. JDH. Eric Carroll;274082 Wrote: I am a big Bel Canto fan - I have the Evo6 Gen II amps and love them. Except for the price the pre3 and predecessors look amazing. -- jdh500 jdh500's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=11601 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
Unfortunately does not suport HT bypass... That's unfortunate as otherwise it looks excellent on paper and was well reviewed. -- Eric Carroll Transporter-Bryston 3B SST-Paradigm Reference Studio 60 v.4 SB3-Rotel RB890-BW Matrix 805 SB3-Krell Showcase-Bel Canto EVo6 GenII x2-Paradigm Signature S8/C1/C5/BD 500 ReadyNAS NV+ Eric Carroll's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9293 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
rydenfan;273377 Wrote: I do know the new Parasound JC 2 has been receiving rave reviews. Rydenfan, Thanks for this, I was not aware of the JC2. It does not appear to have HT bypass, but the specs are excellent on it. Personally, I try to avoid the use of the Tp volume control as much as possible, so perhaps HT bypass is not as critical as I initially thought especially if the SSP is using a digital volume control like the Tp does. Need to think more on this. I was not aware of the JC2, so thanks for the reference. -- Eric Carroll Transporter-Bryston 3B SST-Paradigm Reference Studio 60 v.4 SB3-Rotel RB890-BW Matrix 805 SB3-Krell Showcase-Bel Canto EVo6 GenII x2-Paradigm Signature S8/C1/C5/BD 500 ReadyNAS NV+ Eric Carroll's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9293 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
jdh500;273208 Wrote: I'm considering the Bel Canto Pre3 at the moment, it has an HT Bypass feature, balanced input/output etc. I am a big Bel Canto fan - I have the Evo6 Gen II amps and love them. Except for the price the pre3 and predecessors look amazing. -- Eric Carroll Transporter-Bryston 3B SST-Paradigm Reference Studio 60 v.4 SB3-Rotel RB890-BW Matrix 805 SB3-Krell Showcase-Bel Canto EVo6 GenII x2-Paradigm Signature S8/C1/C5/BD 500 ReadyNAS NV+ Eric Carroll's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9293 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
rydenfan;273039 Wrote: Eric, there are certainly a plethora of options available to you for high quality 2 channel pre's with HT Bypass. My first few questions would be solid state or tub? What is your budget? Do you run balanced or un-balanced connection from your Transporter and to your amps? Hi Rydenfan. Good questions, I should have clarified those right off the bat. I prefer balanced for the physical locking of the connector both to the amp and to the sources. I currently have unbalanced and while it sounds fine (short runs) I often run into cabling issues resulting from loose connectors. I only need two sources right now (pre/pro and Tp). Digital definitely. I would expect to pay around 2K used. I currently have 2 Bel Cantos Evo6 GenII and a Krell Showcase pre/pro. I definitely would like a way to change sources remotely. Unity gain bypass for the pre/pro is a must. From a specs perspective, it has to match or exceed the Tp, a tough challenge: - Signal-to-noise, Dynamic Range: 120dB - THD+Noise: -106dB (0.5%) This is one reason I went direct to power amp initially. I am aware of the Bel Canto pre3 and the Pass Labs products. I have also looked at the Parasound preamp (no balanced connections). Any suggestions welcome. For those using preamps, I am interested in hearing what people chose. -- Eric Carroll Transporter-Bryston 3B SST-Paradigm Reference Studio 60 v.4 SB3-Rotel RB890-BW Matrix 805 SB3-Krell Showcase-Bel Canto EVo6 GenII x2-Paradigm Signature S8/C1/C5/BD 500 ReadyNAS NV+ Eric Carroll's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9293 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
teejay;273002 Wrote: I posted a 'similar question' (http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39320) a while back. Thanks for the reference, I will look through the thread. -- Eric Carroll Transporter-Bryston 3B SST-Paradigm Reference Studio 60 v.4 SB3-Rotel RB890-BW Matrix 805 SB3-Krell Showcase-Bel Canto EVo6 GenII x2-Paradigm Signature S8/C1/C5/BD 500 ReadyNAS NV+ Eric Carroll's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9293 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
Eric, I know more about tube 2 channel pre's with HT Bypass than I do solid state. So, I am going to have to remember which ones I like as it has been a little while since I thought about it. I do know the new Parasound JC 2 has been receiving rave reviews. It does not say it contains HT Bypas, but I would be shocked if it does not because they designed it for a guy that owns a HT pre from them. One quick phone call to Richard will get you your answer though :) http://www.parasound.com/halo/jc2.php I will post more soon... -- rydenfan rydenfan's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15335 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
Eric, I know that Belles builds an outstanding amplifier! I do not know as much about their pre's but I believe they are very very good as well. The 28a is a reference pre and should have everything you are looking for. I believe they go for $2500-$2800 on Agon. http://www.powermodules.com/28a.html -- rydenfan rydenfan's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15335 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
It will match your amp very well and it sounds much better than older BP25 or Bryston 1.7 processor(despite of Bryston claims that it is the same circuit). My BP26 replaced Simaudio P-5, Ayre K-1, Pass X-1 and plethora of other preamps including Magnetic Passive. -- Kiep Kiep's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8844 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
Kiep;273402 Wrote: The new Parasound JC2 wowed J.Atkinson in the latest Stereophile . Can't seem to find that review. Do you have a link handy? Thanks. . -- haunyack Transporter - BK 200.2 - Vandersteen 3A Signature C.G. Conn New York Wonder - circa 1898. haunyack's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9721 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
It is not made available on-line until at least 60 days after the article is published. You would need to go pick up Stereophile to read it. -- rydenfan rydenfan's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15335 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
rydenfan;273412 Wrote: It is not made available on-line until at least 60 days after the article is published. You would need to go pick up Stereophile to read it. ok . -- haunyack Transporter - BK 200.2 - Vandersteen 3A Signature C.G. Conn New York Wonder - circa 1898. haunyack's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9721 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
With the completion of construction of the new home theater (treated room and new speakers), I am rethinking how to deploy my transporter. I am currently experimenting with integrating it into my home theater directly using the Krell Showcase analog preamp bypass to integrate the Tp to my main L/R channels. I am thinking about seperating out the preamp, and running the Tp into a preamp with HT bypass (unity gain) especially if I upgrade the Krell to a new SSP with the fancy new decoders. One challenge I see is finding a really clean preamp with SNR that will do justice to the output of the Tp. Has anyone got any suggestions in this area for preamps to investigate? If this has been hashed over before please provide some links to threads. Thanks. -- Eric Carroll Transporter-Bryston 3B SST-Paradigm Reference Studio 60 v.4 SB3-Rotel RB890-BW Matrix 805 SB3-Krell Showcase-Bel Canto EVo6 GenII x2-Paradigm Signature S8/C1/C5/BD 500 ReadyNAS NV+ Eric Carroll's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9293 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
I posted a 'similar question' (http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39320) a while back. Partly based on the feedback I got, I auditioned the Parasound 'New Classic model 2100' (http://www.parasound.com/nc/2100.php) a while back and liked it a lot. To me, it was a significant upgrade compared with my HT receiver + 2 channel power amp setup. I haven't bought it (yet), since I feel that my current speakers do not really do the upgrade justice. Also, the dealer wants 750 euros for it, even though the MSRP is 600 USD... Another option I considered but never tried is the 'CI Audio PLC-1' (http://www.ciaudio.com/) ($899 factory direct price). I cannot comment on either unit's ability to do the Transporter justice in your setup of course, but they might be worth a look. -- teejay teejay's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=9349 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
Eric, there are certainly a plethora of options available to you for high quality 2 channel pre's with HT Bypass. My first few questions would be solid state or tub? What is your budget? Do you run balanced or un-balanced connection from your Transporter and to your amps? -- rydenfan rydenfan's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=15335 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Preamp w. unity gain bypass
I'm considering the Bel Canto Pre3 at the moment, it has an HT Bypass feature, balanced input/output etc. JDH. -- jdh500 jdh500's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=11601 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=43882 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
