I heard many preamps up to usd30k. The best was the Krell Phantom, which I bought, second best was Krell KCT. You should try them in your system. If you try the Audio Research Ref 40, which I did not try, and like it better, please let me know.
In terms of line stage, I am thinking of going down the Audio Research Ref route - I know it might sound a bit predictable but there is nothing quite like the Audio Research depth of soundstage and addictive music making IMHO - it is also balanced which is how i want my system to be. I might try and audition a Krell pre but have never liked them historically. That said, i heard that the old KCT was quite special.
System edited: Lots of changes going on in my system. Devialet has gone - 2 massive Krell 750mcx monoblocks in. Auditioned the Krells and the soundstage opened up hugely together with greater dynamics and increased smoothness. The system has no fatigue and very addictive. I am auditioning the BMC MCCI phonostage tomorrow so am interested in the results for this! Not sorted a line stage out - using a Rotel preamp (RC1570) from my second system as a stop gap - mind you it is doing ridiculously well in my main system. Has no right performing as the level it is ;)
Nice work with the room treatments. I just added some absorption on the wall behind my speakers and I was very impressed with the added clarity, focus and realism. Bass traps are next. And those speakers are to do die for!
System edited: Hi all, Received a bunch of room treatments from GIK acoustics over the last week. 2 Monster Bass traps and 3 242 panels. Just setting them up and then i will post pics of the update.
Hello Mr Bifwynne. Yes - the feet on my VPI classic have been replaced for the Stillpoints ultras. I can't recommend these highly enough - I have them under my speakers and devialet. The improvements are not at all subtle. They are expensive but I warn you that if you try you will buy :) The record clamp is also Stillpoints LPi - just delivers more focus to the image akin to focussing a camera. The footers do the same - make the image more precise and the table sounds more dynamic. I can't believe how much performance you can extract from the vpi. Another tweak not listed - inside the junction box, I lined it in an RFI absorptive material that they also sell - cheap and very effective too. I also use this around the terminations of interconnects and speaker cables. In position, things sound more at ease / natural to my ears.
Just looked at your TT pic. I notice you changed out the foots. Is that the "tweak" mentioned in your system description? Not familiar with the product. Please share your comments about observed improvements, cost and vendor. Thanks. BIF
