[JohnChapples]

I would welcome any suggestions anyone has on the above.

Currently I use a Primare I30 along with Primare a33.2 and 31.2 power amps Tri-amped to a pair of 3-way speakers. The I30 is used to drive the tweeter and the power amps the mid and base.

I am now looking to upgrade the I30 to a dedicated pre-amp and swap to a bi-amp configuration so that I can use the balanced outputs on the PA's.

The obvious contender is the primare pre-amp, but has anyone tried anything different that can be recommended?

Ideally I would have liked to have tried Audio Research LS26 but I believe the input impedance of the power amps is too low. Other options are Plinius M8 and Ayre K-1xe which are both SS.

Suggestions welcome. Thanks

[CJROSS]

Primare felt that when they created the £3000 A32 PA, that their own Pre 30 was adequate, not creating an uber level Pre amp. I think the Pre 30 has the best set of connections (2 XLRs) I have seen on any anlg pre-amp. I really hanker after trying one into Dynaudio BM12As actives with XLR inputs, one day, one day!.

(from an ex A30.1 II owner )

[JohnChapples]

Thanks for the comments on the Primare Pre.

My only concern is whether this would offer the level of improvement in sould quality that I'm looking for. I seem to remember reading a few comments that the I30, having been developed after the Pre30, possibly offered a more musical presentation. My preference now is to find an amp with two balanced outputs so that I can use both power amps without splitting the signal. Also the next upgrade I hope will be the last.

As it happens I think the I30 is a very accomplished amp - especially when used in conjunction with a Primare power. Although many doubt the benefits of passive bi-amping, I have actually found the improvements quite significant - with the addition of each amp.