Preamp with tone controls ?

[Lexman]

Hello peeps .Looking to upgrade my old faithful Audiolab 8000C pre-amp for something manufactured in this century. Can anyone out there recommend a good quality pre-amp, with tone controls , that would act as chaperon between my Wadia 861 cd & Chord SPM1200E ? I know tone controls are a no no ( in the perfect world) but the soft furnishings do tend to lunch on the higher frequencies Thanks peeps , must get back to plan B now, mowing the lounge carpet !

[alexs2]

Originally Posted by Lexman

Hello peeps .Looking to upgrade my old faithful Audiolab 8000C pre-amp for something manufactured in this century. Can anyone out there recommend a good quality pre-amp, with tone controls , that would act as chaperon between my Wadia 861 cd & Chord SPM1200E ? I know tone controls are a no no ( in the perfect world) but the soft furnishings do tend to lunch on the higher frequencies Thanks peeps , must get back to plan B now, mowing the lounge carpet !

Had you considered a processor incorporating some form of room EQ,such as the Lyngdorf(Tact),Meridian etc,all of which would complement your system well,and would give the facilities you need.

I know you already have DC-1,but this would represent a way of retaining a processor,but one with those aspects included.

Failing that,the choice of decent preamps that include tone controls is very limited as I'm sure you've already found,and certainly in the Krell/Wadia class,you're going to have a hard job....I'll have a look later,but maybe someone else will drop in with a few ideas as well.

[clockworks]

If you're just looking to boost the high frequencies a bit, try changing the speaker cables to solid core. 1.5mm twin&earth mains cable tends to be very "bright".
Maybe you could bi-wire, keeping your existing cable for the LF, and using T&E for the HF.

[Lexman]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies re my search . I might give the speaker cable option a quick go . I may have some spare cable up in the loft somewhere . A change in processer may be the way forward . It's always good to have a serious upgrade every so often . Better check the piggy bank for loose change then get myself round a few good dealers . Thanks again for the tips .
Rgs , Lexman.

[Audio nut]

High end pre amps do exist.... I was in the same position.

I have a Wadia cd player and a Krell power amp and was searching extensively for a pre amp with tone controls the result lead me to purchase a Yamaha CX 1000 and then got the upgradeitus bug (well paid more money and purchased an Accuphase C275v pre. Both units are well equiped with tone controls and both units are trully superb as a result I now have both. Check the offering from Accuphase or if you can find one a Yamaha CX1000 - Happy hunting

[AnilS]

Linn Kolektor???

[Lexman]

mmmmh , the Accuphase sounds tempting . Found the Accuphase C2000 on the net , that may be a good place to start . Will also check out the Linn on my quest . Cheers guys , many thanks.

Rgs , Lexman.

[Lexman]

Well folks , a good week was had trawling round checking out the pre-amps . Eventually decided on the Accuphase C2000 . Unfortunately I didn't have enough in the piggy bank for a new one but managed to pick up a secondhand one ( latest spec') for £2100-00 . What a stormer it has turned out to be . I "thought" my Audiolab & Lexicon sounded good but once the Accuphase was wired in I was astounded by the improvement . The phrase " it's like been there" suddenly hit home . One nice touch with this beast is the "pre-amp in " option which allows me to feed in the L & R pre-outs from the Lexicon ( Home cinema dept ! ) and the signals can be passed onto the Chord SPM 1200 to do it's magic without any assistance from the Accuphase so the Lexicon can continue to control the home cinema levels for all speakers . Magic !

My thanks to Audio Nut for putting the Accuphase brand on my list of candidates . Happy listening out there.

Lexman