Non CJ Preamp Recommendations

[mstrshikadance]

After months of tinkering, I have concluded that CJ Pre-amps have too much gain (25db ish) for my 100db efficient speakers ZU Speakers.

With my Et3-SE, even at 1 on the volume scale, the speakers play louder than I would like. I have tried all different sources and the result is the same.

I am using a Premier 11 as a power amp.

My issue is that I am forced to listen a lot quieter than before now that I have a baby in the house

After doing much reading and research, pre-amps work their best when able to be used at a more normal operating level, closer to 40-70 of their operating range.

I have been using 12db and 15db volume attenuators between the pre and power amp, but I have found that they add a dark veil to the sound.

My system just sounds THAT good when played at a normal listening volume, without the attenuators, I hate to always be listening to it in a compromised state.

The best solution would be to get new speakers and keep my amp and pre, but the speakers have the aesthetic quality that many other speakers do not. Zu Soul VI.

So my question (finally) ... are there any non-cj pre-amp recommendations with lower gain or passive that y'all have experienced and would recommend?

Has to be Silver or gold

Thank you!

[admin]

So options include:

1) Get rid of the baby and listen louder.

2) New Speakers that are less sensitive.

3) New preamp to replace an awesome ET3-SE.

What can I say, that is a hard choice and I'm not sure which way I would go.

I guess my question is what is your price range? Do you want to go new or used? Tube or SS?

[mstrshikadance]

hahaha....yea the fact that there was a contemplation of all three options says a lot

Price range is under $2500

I am open to either SS or Tube and new or used.

[admin]

The honest (and sad) truth is I don't think you can beat the overall performance of an ET3-SE for that price range all things being equal. However, this is a unique circumstance.

As stated before, there are many options. If looking to something new and in that price range, a Holo Audio Serene comes to mind. It's hard to compare volume outputs but the max Vrms for the ET3 is 20 while for the Serene it's 8.5 so I think that should be significantly lower output level in typical listening levels. I'm currently using a Holo Audio DAC (May) and it really is top tier gear and a "bargain" considering what alternative options of similar quality cost.

But again, there are countless great preamps, I'm just not that familiar with their output level specs as my Magnepan 20.1's are low sensitivity at 85 db so it's not something I have to think about.