Preamp shootout...Predictions on which will be the best?

[Nascimento]

This has been a very informative journey. I placed an order today (after demo)....for an Accuphase C-3900. I've also found in my system I prefer the Mu1 Tambaqui combination over the Mu2. I have a very busy day and next several days, and will describe my findings and how I arrived at these decisons.

Today marks ten days since I received my Accuphase C-3900, the power (A-80) hasn't arrived yet, at the moment I'm listening to the C-3900 with an old power krell, I'm really enjoying it!
I have high expectations for this pre amplifier!

 

[Ricky64]

Today marks ten days since I received my Accuphase C-3900, the power (A-80) hasn't arrived yet, at the moment I'm listening to the C-3900 with an old power krell, I'm really enjoying it!
I have high expectations for this pre amplifier!

Congrats. I remain very pleased with the C3900. Adrian of Audio Excellence Canada did a recent Youtube video review of the A-80. He did a great job of describing the sound of the higher end Accuphase gear. His description of what he was hearing with the A-80 mirrors the characteristics I am hearing with the C3900 running into the quick and transparent Gryphon Essence amp.

 

[andromedaaudio]

If you want the " best " pre amp you need to change at least once a year lol

 

[Ricky64]

HaHa! Completely agree! Only way to be sure to remain content.

 

[andromedaaudio]

HaHa! Completely agree! Only way to be sure to remain content.

FYI that was meant sarcastically
If you wanna stay updated with the " magazines " best you need to change every year at least lol

 

[gleeds]

My very general take on passive buffered attenuator boxes/TVCs versus active line stage preamps, is that:

-- active preamps provide greater dynamics, but at the cost of transparency compared to passive devices, and

-- it takes a very carefully designed, generally expensive line stage preamp to replicate the transparency of, or close to the transparency of, a passive preamp while still preserving the dynamics benefits of the active amplification device.

In other words a Pareto optimal improvement (at least one sonic attribute is better with no sonic attributes being inferior) active line stage over a passive is expensive.

Ron, other than cost, I'm not sure I agree with you. In my experience, an active pre-amplifier will always be preferable regarding absolute dynamics. We offer both tube and solid-state pre-amplifiers in our import stable, and both offer excellent dynamics and transparency but with a different tonal signature.