mohler@druxu.UUCP (MohlerDS) (07/16/85)
A surprising number of replies came in to my previous posting in a very
short time - Thankyou! The early results including some on-going listening
tests show that there are some clear winners in the 600.00 to 1000.00
price range! The units in this price range do not really equal the preamps
in the class of Spectral and Krell however, they are so good that the majority
of listeners may not care about their subtle failings. In terms of
the number of people that sent me mail saying good things about them and
based on listening tests the clear winners (among those considered)
in this price range were:
1.) Bryston 1B - 750.00 to 800.00 range
2.) Bryston .5B - 600.00
3.) Audio Research SP-7 - 900.00
The two Bryston preamps sound esentially identical and
differ primarily in features. The sound of these units is
very good, I personally believe that the Bryston's are more
accurate, however the ARC's sound may appeal to you since
it is more exciting to listen to. This list does not contain
any Tube units for two reason's :
1.) In this price range tube unit's construction, design and therefore their
reliability is highly suspect.
2.) In this (if not in every) price range there is no reason to tollerate
the constantly changing performance (tube degradation, bias changes)
and the higher noise and distortion. In addition, the only respectable
tube units come in at a higher price point. Before those on the net
that like tube units flame away (please don't bother) I do have many
good components to use as a reference and I base my comments on having
had ARC, Conrad-Johnson, and Precision Fidelity units in my system. I
have developed an unalterable solid state bias! Yes I can hear the
good imaging, detailed highs and tremendous depth the best tube units
offer, I just know I don't have to live with tube short comings to
get those listening characteristics.
The Bryston and ARC preamps all share very good construction (the Bryston
is better though), good design, nice features, solid company backing and
most importantly, great sound. After talking to John Russell (Bryston) and
Bill Johnson (Audio Research) I have some recommendations for those that
need high gain phono sections for MC cartridges:
The Bryston works well with the Bryston transformer, the Cotter or Verion
transformer, the ortofon T-30 transformer and the Technics SH-305MC
transformer.
The ARC seems to work better with one of the very good Headamps available.
I realize that the addition of the transformer or headamp will add to the
price, but the Bryston .5B with the Technics SH-305MC will eat up any
competition in the under 1000.00 price range and quite a few in higher
price ranges (like the cheaper Levinson units, and both perreaux (sp ?)
units to name a couple. The much lauded PS Audio model 4 with the high-
current option wasn't even real close!
The units considered as competition to the three units recommended above
are preamps from the following companies: Amber, APT, lower tube models
from Audio Research, Bedini, Carver, the lower priced units from C-J,
Hafler, lower Levinson models, Perreaux,
Precision Fidelity, Quad, RGR, Tandberg, Yamaha
A partial listing of some of the reference equipment follows:
Turntables: Linn, Micro-Seiki, SOTA
Arms: Alphason, Fidelity Research, Linn, Micro-Seiki
Cartridges: ADC, Denon, Dynavector, Fidelity Research, Janis, Linn, Shinon,
Shure
Headamps/Transformers: Cotter, Denon, Fidelity Research, Marcoff, PS, Ortofon,
Powerlight, Premier, Vandersteen
CD players: Magnavox, Kyocera, Revox
Amplifiers: Amber, Audio Research, Bryston, Hafler, Krell, Quad
Speakers: Apogee, Audiostatic, KEF, Quad, Snell, Vandersteen
This comparison has been going on for two years. The following notes may
help the reader in terms of methodology: level matching and load matching,
good cables, two good and one marginal room, blind and aware
testing were employed. Four listeners did the judging and recently submitted
comments were added to the results posted.
Any specific questions regarding the results can be sent to me at druxu!
mohler or drune!mohler. Thanks again to those that submitted input to
this subject. I plan on publishing the results of the 1000.00-1400.00
range comparison in the next couple of weeks. Any units that were suggested
to late for this posting will be included in the 1000.00-1400.00 dollar
test which will use the Bryston and ARC units as a starting point.
David S. Mohler
AT&T -ISL @ Denver
drune!mohler
I am living proof that there are still rabid audiophiles at large!