My friend is considering getting a new preamp

[tony22]

My friend has been using for over 30 years a Quicksilver Full Function preamp. I’m not a tube guy and even I like this preamp. It had been modified over time by Mike Sanders with silver wiring and Jantzen caps, among other things. But I think my friend may be finally willing to try something newer. He’s not fond of the 4+ hour warmup before it sounds fully on form, and while he’s not against staying with a tube pre (he will also consider a good SS) some of the old tubes used in the QS are not as easy to find.

So he’s looking for something that would be a step up. The must haves -

-Mono switch
-At least dual outputs, one balanced
-MM phono pre, although MM/MC would be nice
-Full dual mono construction, or at least dual volume controls, or at a minimum a really good balance control
-Mute switch
-Non-inverting
-Front panel ON/OFF switch

Price $10K or less, new. It’s all personal and system dependent of course, but it should be a real step up from the QS.

 

[Imperial]

Hi.

David Berning has the Zotl Pre One 8-9 ish
Can be had with phono

Linear Tube audio the microzotl pre. 5-7 ish
No phono, but has XLR input - Get an exteral one? Lots of Good phono stages for below 4k

Very configurable units. Most likely also very customizable.
They have the almost the entire required list.

And They Are better than a a 30 year QuickSilver .

Microzotl: a vid:. It also has remote
A test by Audiophiliac on YouTube

Zotl:
Has more like QuickSilver with switches on the front.. and it has phono , microzotl does not have.

The QuickSilver had 27db gain. Most likely you friend never put volume above 10 to 10:30

Thes new have about half that in gain. More usable range for sure..

The LTA Microzotl and

Parasound Halo JC 3+ Phono Preamp would sum out to about 10k​

The Parasound does have a mono Switch. And is basically tube’ish sonic signature phono but it is solid state and very Good

The Berning alternative is a one box unit with built in phono and more of a old School style.
But no XLR … and must be configured while ordering since its more of a set and choose, than the alternative.

So My 2 cents there

Yes, and one can say that the fundamental qualities of the QuickSilver pre Are also the qualities of the Zotl and the microzotl. But clarity… is better…. And also the cable and Amp drive is better.
I cannit Imagine to much change is what is wanted. So level up - thats what i think these Are

 

[Vinylshadow]

The Townshend Allegri Reference Passive Preamp has received some excellent reviews.

 

[steve59]

I'm seeing $2700 for the parasound + phono pre on google from multiple sources.

 

[JoeRest]

Funny that I found myself in a very similar situation. The problem with upgrading the Quicksilver full function preamp was how good it is. I borrowed a Sanders analog preamp from a buddy, and the Quicksilver bested it. So my quest was not so much the performance of the Quicksilver. Firstly it was in my system for 34; years. This is no real reason to upgrade, but I was ready for a change. Secondly the thing pushes DC on turn-on so it needs to be handled gingerly. It also goes through fuses. It's almost like over time the fuse denigrates and requires replacement. Yet I was always impressed with it's robust build and meticulous workmanship. The routing of hookup wire is impeccable. And it is a playground of high quality dials and switches.

Enter the VanAlstine Vision SLR preamplifier. It has a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. Yet the chance of it bettering the Quickie was slim at best. Not only is it cheap, but it is practically an empty box. When you open it up you are surprised since there is nothing in there. Good thing the chassis is fairly respectable looking. The PSU is tiny compared to the robustness of the Quickie.

Well you likely know what I am going to say next. This empty box took my system to a higher plane. It does everything by doing nothing.

Disclaimer: I have no relation or financial interest in VanAlstine. I am simply a customer who pays full price. RIP Frank.