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so i got an altec amp to go with my speakers. and most of the opinions i've seen here are that the preamp is possibly the most important part. altec made a few preamps. any suggestians on one that would work with a 9442A? i want to keep this an altec system as much as i can.
anybody? :confused:
I sent a response but it didn't show up.
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Altec Lansing Mixer Preamplifier 1700C Model |
Altec Lansing Power Amplifier Anniversary Series Model 9441A 300 Watts |
I've always considered Altec good at speakers but preamps? What about a Crown instead?Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil-G
Maybe a PSL-2(straight line), if he can find one. Straight line one has no tone controls or loudness contour, and doesn't sound like the PSL-2 which also has basic tone controls.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnobub
I wouldn't waste my time with an IC-150/150A unless you're technically savvy enough to do a complete board level rebuild. They are not a good sounding preamp in stock form IMO. But, with a good freshening and replacement of some obsolete components they can sound pretty good. However, what you end up with is several hundred bucks invested in a preamp with a upper market value of 150 bucks or so. Not a problem if you're going to keep it and use it. Very disappointing if you decide you don't like it and want to flip it.
Price is very reflective of the sound quality on these, a couple good examples here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CLEAN-EXCELL...item43bca9ed4f
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crown-PSL-2-...item232becb74f
IMO, you can buy a Japanese preamp that comes very close to the PSL-2 for 1/3 of the cost or less.
Just my .02................... YMMV
These days I become very skeptical of the value, function of pre amplifier in the middle of source and power amplifier. If you can somehow control volume and choose source, with such as passive pre , I think not to put anything between power amplifier and source is the best. ( if you are using only one source and your power amplifier has gain control, you wouldn't need that either)Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil-G
If you have a very good pre amplifier it will pass all the information from your source equip such as CD to power amplifier without adding any character or losing any information. If not, it is just headache.
But, it will be different story if you need treble, base control, loudness. If you are a Vinyl lover and make things simple from phone EQ or stepup transformer etc...that will be another story.
A similar discussion just went on over here: conventional passive preamp thinking may be wrong - Transcendent Sound Message BoardQuote:
Originally Posted by sanhanul
A passive volume control can work if properly designed, implemented and buffered. I have seem some that cost $1000s.
With all this equipment I've amassed over the passed year, my Grounded Grid preamp is the understated jewel of my system.
A kinda big "if".Quote:
If you have a very good pre amplifier it will pass all the information from your source equip such as CD to power amplifier without adding any character or losing any information.
In close to 40 years of listening, my experience is that preamplifiers tend to be the MOST COLORED component in an audio system second only to loudspeakers. The really good ones keep it to a minimum and will require a very revealing system to evidence their personalities.
My own personal battle with them is that the few that approach sonic perfection(IMO) compromise too many comfort and convenience features for me to live with long term.
I've settled for "good enough" for now. Loudness contour, bass and treble controls, and a remote were all welcome returns. Thank You Frank Mcintosh and Gordon Gow!
That's me in a nutshell ! I used to fiddle with my gear constantly in my 20's and 30's now I'm in my later 40's I can't live with out a remote,, :wink2:Quote:
Originally Posted by bowtie427ss
I don't use the loudness contour as i rarely listen to it at low enough volumes.. I keep the tone contols set to 0. And use my EQ set at where i like the sound tonally and just listen to my music... And ENJOY ! :cool2:
Nut me. I have a volume knob and a 3-input selector switch on my preamp: MacMini, TT and cable box. That's it. No loudness, tone or remote. I really don't miss any of them...especially another remote! There is something satisfyingly tactile about turning a volume knob.
Viva le Difference! That's my "good enough" for now.
This hobby is like a respectable whore, she's got something for everybody.;)Quote:
Originally Posted by alancohen
There are lots of wonderful preamps other than Altec. I had my share of passives (Bent Audio, Light Speed Attenuator, Placette) and active (ARC LS 12, ARC LS 16, Supratek Chenin transformer coupled, cap coupled JEL Type 76 FF preamp, Type 26 with Filament bias/SSHV B+/transformer coupled preamp, and the aformentioned GG from Transcendent Sound about 6 years ago). All have their own merits and to me better than any potentiometer I tried regardless of brand. I prefer active, because the source does not have to drive the amp.
At present, I still have the Supratek, the JEL, and the Type 26 wherein the latter is the "main hitter" in my system. I have never heard a preamp as sweet as and as dynamic as a transformer coupled (Lundahl)Filament Bias type 26 of my many years in audio. The soundstage I get from this preamp using 2A3 amps enables my system to employ an 802D to project as big a sound as a 288C . The topology is very simple but the power supply alone of this preamp can put mega dollar preamp power supply to shame(separate chassis, AZ1 rectified, choke loaded, separate regulated B+ using Shunt Regulators, separate regulated filaments per channel employing filament bias on type 26 DHT tube).
An analog volume knob is the only way to go.Quote:
Originally Posted by bowtie427ss
I prefer my hoes to come with at least 2 knobs. seriously I'm looking for at least master volume with phono mic aux inputs.
thanks for the input everyone.
Being 50 years old, my ears have deteriorated to the point where I'm just happy to hear anything.