Line Stage SS advice

[TheloniousEllington]

I recently bought a VTV eval-1 eigentakt purifi amplifier. I want to eventually upgrade my Yamaha aventage 1060 for a line stage. I'm running an allnic 5500 phono preamp to the receiver to the VTV as a separate to Salk song beat 3 encore speakers.

I would like a good solid state line stage that can link up with the VTV amp, hopefully in the 1-3k region, even used. Any suggestions for a nice transparent and clean solid state line stage?

Thank you.

 

[Swerd]

@TheloniousEllington

Because you have a Salk speaker, you might be familiar with Audio by Van Alstine. In the past, AVA preamps and amps would drive Salk speakers in audio shows. I've never owned an AVA product, but in my limited experience with them, they are the highest quality with transparent & clean sound.

AVA has two solid state preamps, available with or without built-in phono preamp (a $379 option). Both are in your price range. I don't know anything about your existing H-5500 phono preamp, but if you included an AVA phono preamp built into one of these preamps, it would eliminate one box & simplify things. The built-in phono preamp is the same as the AVA Vision Q+ Phono Preamp, sold in a separate chassis. Then, you can sell that stand-alone phono preamp you now have. If I were in your shoes, that's what I'd want to do.

$999

Vision RB Preamplifier

The Vision RB preamplifier has our best-ever solid-state preamp circuits, packaged for audio purists embracing minimal setups and anyone looking for affordably priced, astonishingly detailed and musical sound. The Vision RB preamplifier takes solid-state preamplifiers to a new level of...

avahifi.com

$1,399

Vision SLR Preamplifier

The Vision SLR preamplifier has our best-ever solid-state preamp circuits in a stunning fully remote controlled chassis. The Vision SLR preamplifier takes solid-state preamplifiers to a new level of musicality and user convenience. It has remote controlled power, volume, mute, input switching...

avahifi.com

 

[TheloniousEllington]

@TheloniousEllington

Because you have a Salk speaker, you might be familiar with Audio by Van Alstine. In the past, AVA preamps and amps would drive Salk speakers in audio shows. I've never owned an AVA product, but in my limited experience with them, they are the highest quality with transparent & clean sound.

AVA has two solid state preamps, available with or without built-in phono preamp (a $379 option). Both are in your price range. I don't know anything about your existing H-5500 phono preamp, but if you included an AVA phono preamp built into one of these preamps, it would eliminate one box & simplify things. The built-in phono preamp is the same as the AVA Vision Q+ Phono Preamp, sold in a separate chassis. Then, you can sell that stand-alone phono preamp you now have. If I were in your shoes, that's what I'd want to do.

$999

Vision RB Preamplifier

The Vision RB preamplifier has our best-ever solid-state preamp circuits, packaged for audio purists embracing minimal setups and anyone looking for affordably priced, astonishingly detailed and musical sound. The Vision RB preamplifier takes solid-state preamplifiers to a new level of...

avahifi.com

$1,399

Vision SLR Preamplifier

The Vision SLR preamplifier has our best-ever solid-state preamp circuits in a stunning fully remote controlled chassis. The Vision SLR preamplifier takes solid-state preamplifiers to a new level of musicality and user convenience. It has remote controlled power, volume, mute, input switching...

avahifi.com

Thank you. It looks well made and reviewed nicely. My phono stage by Allnic is my second most pricey piece of gear, so I'm looking more for separates. I'll have to keep digging to find others in this price range that are comparable to consider.

Thanks again!

 

[Mikado463]

Swerd offered some good advice on Frank's products and I'll second that.

Would you consider used ? Any consideration to something with tubes ? I ask because I use an ARC LS-28 and could not be more satisfied.

 

[TheloniousEllington]

Swerd offered some good advice on Richard's products and I'll second that.

Would you consider used ? Any consideration to something with tubes ? I ask because I use an ARC LS-28 and could not be more satisfied.

I do appreciate Swerd's advice. Thank you for backing it up.

I would absolutely consider used. Since my phono stage is all tube, I want my line stage and amp to be a clean and transparent solid state. I bet that LS28 sounds amazing! But, that's way out of my pay zone currently.

 

[Swerd]

I suggested selling the H-5500 phono preamp only because it is likely to sell for a good price.

I do think the AVA phono pre-amp is a very good design that leaves nothing to desire. But if the OP prefers to keep the H-5500, then so be it.

 

[TheloniousEllington]

I suggested selling the H-5500 phono preamp only because it is likely to sell for a good price.

I do think the AVA phono pre-amp is a very good design that leaves nothing to desire. But if the OP prefers to keep the H-5500, then so be it.

I appreciate your help in advising the SLR vision. It looks like it is what I'm looking for. Thank you.

 

[Mikado463]

I would absolutely consider used. Since my phono stage is all tube, I want my line stage and amp to be a clean and transparent solid state. I bet that LS28 sounds amazing! But, that's way out of my pay zone currently.

A nice used Parasound perhaps ..........

Parasound JC-2 pre amp - Photo4666904

www.usaudiomart.com

 

[TheloniousEllington]

A nice used Parasound perhaps ..........

Parasound JC-2 pre amp - Photo4666904

www.usaudiomart.com

That looks right down my alley like the SLR Vision. Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[PENG]

I recently bought a VTV eval-1 eigentakt purifi amplifier. I want to eventually upgrade my Yamaha aventage 1060 for a line stage. I'm running an allnic 5500 phono preamp to the receiver to the VTV as a separate to Salk song beat 3 encore speakers.

I would like a good solid state line stage that can link up with the VTV amp, hopefully in the 1-2k region. Any suggestions for a nice transparent and clean solid state line stage?

Thank you.

At that price point, based on specs confirmed by bench tests, I would grab the Topping Pre90:

Topping Pre90 Review (preamplifier) | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

It will match the very low distortion and noise of that VTV Purifi amplifier.

Whichever one you are going to go with, just make sure the preamp has high enough output for the maximum spl peaks you need, as your amp's gain is likely around 25 dB. If you are using the RX-A1060, you likely have to turn the volume way up high for loud listening, and the Yamaha's pre out will likely be clipping.

 

[TheloniousEllington]

At that price point, based on specs confirmed by bench tests, I would grab the Topping Pre90:

Topping Pre90 Review (preamplifier) | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

It will match the very low distortion and noise of that VTV Purifi amplifier.

Whichever one you are going to go with, just make sure the preamp has high enough output for the maximum spl peaks you need, as your amp's gain is likely around 25 dB. If you are using the RX-A1060, you likely have to turn the volume way up high for loud listening, and the Yamaha's pre out will likely be clipping.

I'm currently running my rx-a1060 pure direct, since my speakers don't need a sub, so it sounds much better than before. It probably still is clipping.

The topping pre90 looks awesome with the specs, but I see mainly xlr ins. All my gear are RCA outs. Is there a way to work around that doesn't sacrifice any loss?

Thank you for your help.

 

[PENG]

I'm currently running my rx-a1060 pure direct, since my speakers don't need a sub, so it sounds much better than before. It probably still is clipping.

The topping pre90 looks awesome with the specs, but I see mainly xlr ins. All my gear are RCA outs. Is there a way to work around that doesn't sacrifice any loss?

Thank you for your help.

There are more information on the Apos website:

TOPPING PRE90 + EXT90 Preamp and Input Extender – Apos Audio

If you buy the extender, you will have a total of 2 RCA inputs and 4 XLR inputs. For outputs, you can select RCA, XLR, or both on at the same time.

TOPPING PRE90 + EXT90 Preamp and Input Extender – Apos Audio
If specs and measurements are not important to you since distortions of just about any >$1,500 preamps are low enough to be in the so called below the human hearing threshold, then just choose based on features, perceived build quality, reliability record, and the look, style, feel etc., they will all "sound" great with your power amp. Just make sure you get one that can output high enough voltage for your listening habit, or best, high enough to drive the Purifi amp to its rated output, and with ample reserve, just for future proofing in case your listening habit change, and/or speakers change in the future.

There are many preamp choices, but for the caliber of the Purifi amp, you really want to pair it with a preamp that has at least 5-10 dB better specs so that it does not become the bottleneck. I am suggesting preamps such as those by the reasonably prices Parasound Halo or Classic that people often would recommend are not as good in terms of sound quality for real world use, but those amps typically have specs and measurements that show they will be the weak link when paired with the likes of the eval-1 eigentakt purifi. Again, weak link only in terms of measurable performance on paper.

The supporting objective reviews are there, such as the following:
Comparison can be made not just SINAD (THD+N), but also in other measurements such as IMD, SNR etc.:
I use the JC2 as the example because it is Parasound's flagship preamp, models below it will likely not measured as good, though again, may not sound different either.

Parasound JC2 Preamplifier Review | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
Review and Measurements of Purifi 1ET400A Amplifier | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

 

[PENG]

Here's another good one to consider, for <$1,000, or the "S" for <$600, it is made in USA:
Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California
It even has 15 days return policy, not as easy as Amazon's, but..

5-Year Warranty and Easy Return Policy
Freya+ is covered by a 5-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. One exception: the tubes. Those we cover for 3 months. And if you don’t like your Freya, you can send it back for a refund, minus 5% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.

Reviews:
Schiit Freya + line preamplifier | Stereophile.com (no tube option available)

Not sure if you can still buy the $599 Freya S, that is SS, no tube:
Schiit Freya S Preamplifier Review 2 | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

I may even get one, don't need it but it seems like fun to have one.

 

[TheloniousEllington]

Here's another good one to consider, for <$1,000, or the "S" for <$600, it is made in USA:
Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California
It even has 15 days return policy, not as easy as Amazon's, but..

5-Year Warranty and Easy Return Policy
Freya+ is covered by a 5-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. One exception: the tubes. Those we cover for 3 months. And if you don’t like your Freya, you can send it back for a refund, minus 5% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.

Reviews:
Schiit Freya + line preamplifier | Stereophile.com (no tube option available)

Not sure if you can still buy the $599 Freya S, that is SS, no tube:
Schiit Freya S Preamplifier Review 2 | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

I may even get one, don't need it but it seems like fun to have one.

Thank you so much Peng for your help and information. The pre90 looks good, but I need 3 RCA inputs. I was looking at the benchmark la4, but it also has 2 rca inputs. All the specs and reviews on these look great, though.

 

[PENG]

Thank you so much Peng for your help and information. The pre90 looks good, but I need 3 RCA inputs. I was looking at the benchmark la4, but it also has 2 rca inputs. All the specs and reviews on these look great, though.

Wait a minute, the Schiit product does have 3 RCA inputs:

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California
Note: The tube stage is just an option, you can go all SS.

Input Impedance: 10K ohms
Crosstalk: >85dB, 20-20kHz
Inputs: 2 XLR pairs plus 3 RCA pairs, selectable via front switch or remote
Outputs: 1 XLR pair plus 2 RCA pairs, selectable via front switch or remote
Volume Control: relay-switched stepped attenuator with discrete thin-film resistors, 128 0.625dB steps
Power Supply: One 48VA transformer with regulated 300V rail, plus 24VA transformer with regulated +/-18V rails, plus 6.3VDC tube heaters and regulated 5VDC for microprocessor
Power Consumption: 40W typical
Size: 16” x 8” x 2” + tube height (about 2.5" more)
Weight: 11 lbs

 

[TheloniousEllington]

Wait a minute, the Schiit product does have 3 RCA inputs:

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California
Note: The tube stage is just an option, you can go all SS.

Input Impedance: 10K ohms
Crosstalk: >85dB, 20-20kHz
Inputs: 2 XLR pairs plus 3 RCA pairs, selectable via front switch or remote
Outputs: 1 XLR pair plus 2 RCA pairs, selectable via front switch or remote
Volume Control: relay-switched stepped attenuator with discrete thin-film resistors, 128 0.625dB steps
Power Supply: One 48VA transformer with regulated 300V rail, plus 24VA transformer with regulated +/-18V rails, plus 6.3VDC tube heaters and regulated 5VDC for microprocessor
Power Consumption: 40W typical
Size: 16” x 8” x 2” + tube height (about 2.5" more)
Weight: 11 lbs

That is really interesting looking at the LISST SS tube. It looks like Amir tested the freya s better than the freya +, but that was with the tubes. Thank you again for your help and time.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The question is, will changing any of these things from just using the Yamaha AVR actually improve the SQ? Probably not.

 

[TheloniousEllington]

The question is, will changing any of these things from just using the Yamaha AVR actually improve the SQ? Probably not.

When I used pure direct on my reciever instead of normal, it changed the sound quality like night and day. I figured if I can get a preamp that has better components and is more simplified without "all the bells and whistles," it will be even better than the pure direct.

 

[lovinthehd]

When I used pure direct on my reciever instead of normal, it changed the sound quality like night and day. I figured if I can get a preamp that has better components and is more simplified without "all the bells and whistles," it will be even better than the pure direct.

What do you mean by "normal"? Cutting processing in and out is likely to make a difference, tho night and day sounds a bit exaggerated....and doubtful there would be an audible difference with a pre-pro vs avr (aside from processing differences).

 

[TheloniousEllington]

What do you mean by "normal"? Cutting processing in and out is likely to make a difference, tho night and day sounds a bit exaggerated....and doubtful there would be an audible difference with a pre-pro vs avr (aside from processing differences).

The default setting when it's on, not using pure direct. PD tightened the bass, made the soundstage open up/more focused. Of course using cliches adds hyperbole.

Maybe, but maybe not... cheers!