BasX PT-100 preamp in a mid end system?

[babyboomerxyz]

Hi, I am new to this forum.

I would like to find out from owners of the PT-100 preamp if you think this preamp would fit into a system comprising a PS Audio Trio A-100 power amplifier driving Harbeth P3ESR speakers?

My PS preamp suffered an irreparable issues and was wondering if the PT-100 can replace (due to budget constraints) and partner the above without losing too much in sound quality.
Sources are from a Logic TT with a Grado Black2 mm cartridge, and CAL Ikon MkII & Audiolab 8200CD. I am looking for a detailed and warmer sound (than the PS pre) and cannot at this stage of life endure a sound with a tipped up treble balance or one that is too crisp.  Thanks for any thoughts you may have.   

[martindktm]

I ran the Pt-100 for a year connected to a vintage Bose 1801 monster amp driving Focal Aria 926 speaker and really like the setup and overall quality and sound from that trio. I have not a single bad word to say on the Pt-100 ecxept if you listen to Fm radio. Changing/set-uping channel is a bit of a pain. A great great sounding unit for the price.

I don't own it anymore not because of issue but because I upgraded the Pt-100/Bose 1801 duo for an MF M6Si integrated. And kept the Focal.

[Boomzilla]

Consider a tube preamp.

[babyboomerxyz]

Jun 24, 2021 7:16:08 GMT -5 martindktm said:

I ran the Pt-100 for a year connected to a vintage Bose 1801 monster amp driving Focal Aria 926 speaker and really like the setup and overall quality and sound from that trio. I have not a single bad word to say on the Pt-100 ecxept if you listen to Fm radio. Changing/set-uping channel is a bit of a pain. A great great sounding unit for the price.

I don't own it anymore not because of issue but because I upgraded the Pt-100/Bose 1801 duo for an MF M6Si integrated. And kept the Focal.

Hi Martin, thanks for your input. Good to know that the PT-100 is not embarrassed in your set up. 

[babyboomerxyz]

Jun 24, 2021 21:53:07 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Consider a tube preamp.

Hi Boomzilla, thanks for the suggestions. I have considered this option. My shelf do not have much space and ventilation becomes an issue. Had monoblocks on the floor in the past but got tired with the hassle and heat. SS is much simpler.  Limited funds being the another factor.

[Boomzilla]

Nobsound 12AX7 (ECC83) 12AU7 (ECC82) Vacuum Tube Preamp HiFi Preamplifier = $289

P1 Bluetooth 5.0 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Hi-Fi Valve Headphone Amplifier Wireless Receiver Audio Decoder Preamp USB DAC APTX-HD = $109

rolls Tube PREAMPLIFIER, Black (PA555) = $275

AIYIMA T8 6N3 Digital Tube Preamplifier Bluetooth 5.0 Hi-Fi Headphone Vacuum Tube Preamp for Home Audio Amplifier Wireless Receiver Audio Decoder Preamp PC-USB DAC APTX + with Remote = $130

SUCA AUDIO Bluetooth 5.0 Preamplifier with 6K4 Vacuum Tubes, RCA/Bluetooth/TF/USB Input Audio Receiver USB DAC Hi-Fi Headphone Amplifier Stereo Audio Preamp with Remote Control = $70

So cost shouldn't be a factor. Heat, however, and possibly space might...

[Boomzilla]

Good alternatives for solid state at an economy price (in addition to the Emotiva):

Yamaha WXC-50 MusicCast Wireless Streaming Preamplifier (Dark Silver) = $350

Topping D30 Pro HiFi DAC Balanced Preamplifier CS43198x4 Decoding Chips USB/Optical/Coaxial Decoder XMOS XU208 32Bit/384kHz Audio DAC with Remote Control (Silver) = $360

Cheers - Boom

[babyboomerxyz]

Thanks for the pretty pictures Boom.

I may activate a vintage NAD C320 integrated (prior to the BEE version) which has a pre-out. Wonder how this would sound compared to the PT-100. Would like to know how different these two would sound. Any experience with these?

[garbulky]

The PT-100 sounds quite good, close to that of a DC-1. The DC-1 is a little bit more detailed and coherent, but it's hard to hear the difference unless you've got things setup quite right. The best way I could describe it is that the DC-1 contributed less of its own sound signature and so allowed more of the coloration or ambience of the recording through. So yes it's quite subtle and most would be quite happy with a PT-100. If I was you (and I'm not) I would buy a used DC-1. It's one of the best DACs I've heard.

[babyboomerxyz]

Jun 26, 2021 0:13:28 GMT -5 garbulky said:

The PT-100 sounds quite good, close to that of a DC-1. The DC-1 is a little bit more detailed and coherent, but it's hard to hear the difference unless you've got things setup quite right. The best way I could describe it is that the DC-1 contributed less of its own sound signature and so allowed more of the coloration or ambience of the recording through. So yes it's quite subtle and most would be quite happy with a PT-100. If I was you (and I'm not) I would buy a used DC-1. It's one of the best DACs I've heard.

Thanks Garbulky. Gathering from the views here it seems like the PT-100 would not be outclassed in a better system. 

[garbulky]

Jun 26, 2021 5:50:45 GMT -5 babyboomerxyz said:

Jun 26, 2021 0:13:28 GMT -5 garbulky said:

The PT-100 sounds quite good, close to that of a DC-1. The DC-1 is a little bit more detailed and coherent, but it's hard to hear the difference unless you've got things setup quite right. The best way I could describe it is that the DC-1 contributed less of its own sound signature and so allowed more of the coloration or ambience of the recording through. So yes it's quite subtle and most would be quite happy with a PT-100. If I was you (and I'm not) I would buy a used DC-1. It's one of the best DACs I've heard.

Thanks Garbulky. Gathering from the views here it seems like the PT-100 would not be outclassed in a better system. 

It's going to sound quite good

[quattroll]

I have an XDA-2 in one system with PA-1s to B&W XT2 speakers on their integrated stands. The rca out is connected to a JL Audio 8” sub. The sound is very good but I am used to it. I recently tried a Yamaha WXC-50 there, and despite all the capabilities and app etc, it was clearly not as good. I also tried an Arylic S50pro+, and got the same result, not sure which was better between the two because the point was moot.

Now, I also have a DC-1 in another system with XPA-1Ls to Magnepan .7i panels. This is a really nice set up that can blow the listener away with spacial imaging in particular, but the “zone” is very small. I just decided to test the DC-1 in the first system, and with very little time in, I think it’s a real step forward. I noticed a shift in depth, increased detail and somehow a more natural feeling cohesion. I’ll be playing with this some more to know for sure. Incidentally, what drove this was the desire to use an FM tuner, it’s upstairs and I still like the analog feel it provides. It’s instantaneous and not reliant on wifi.

Now that I’ve done this I fear there is no going back. Can I live with the XDA-2 with the Magnepans? I haven’t tried that yet. Or do I try something like the SMSL SU8s+ (I hope I got that right) for this location and enjoy a newer dac?

Any input would be great, thanks guys. Maybe I should start a thread for this on its own? Let me know

[Boomzilla]

Really good DACs are becoming cheaper and cheaper. Offerings from Schiit, SMSL, Topping, Emotiva, and others are providing multi-thousand dollar performance for multi-hundred dollar prices these days. Happy shopping!

[quattroll]

Fuel to the fire!

[cheapthryl]

PC...pt100...RPA-1...OHM WALSH 2.
Sounds pretty darn good to me and everyone else that has listened to it.

[mercury]

I suggest Topping D30 Pro

[Boomzilla]

I tried the Topping and it was too bright in my system (using Klipsch RP600m speakers). I sent it back & got an Emotiva Big Ego+. For my system the Emotiva is the MUCH better choice. Your system will dictate the type of DAC for you.

Boom