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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZEN SARAH 300B >> Preamp for Sarah
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Message started by Lutry on 01/03/24 at 01:24:46

Title: Preamp for Sarah
Post by Lutry on 01/03/24 at 01:24:46

Finally I got the Sarah properly set up. I'm using an OpticalRendu > Pontus II > Sarah > Cornwall IV. I'm in day 5 of the breaking-in process, so not much critical listening until now.

I'm now looking for a pre-amp with a remote control. I've seen that the Freya+ appears frequently in the signature of members of this forum, but would like to ask here in this thread for other options that might be a good match with the Sarah.
Thanks

Title: Re: Preamp for Sarah
Post by Tony on 01/03/24 at 03:50:26

Lutry,
Congrats getting the system to where it sounds good to you. I found a CSP 2+ preamp that I liked. A couple months ago I replaced it with an Icon 4PRO, and have not looked back. I think it's worthy of your consideration with a Sarah.

Title: Re: Preamp for Sarah
Post by Kamran on 01/03/24 at 14:08:14

What Tony said.

Title: Re: Preamp for Sarah
Post by Lon on 01/03/24 at 16:06:21

That said. . . I recently have discovered that a preamp actually made my system sound a bit worse in comparison to the SEWE300B without a preamp. Steve built I think the perfect preamp stage into the SEWE300B and I won't need a preamp again. A ZBIT, a ZROCK2. . . yes. They both add wonderful characteristics.

If you are truly needing remote control for volume, I would personally recommend the most transparent and neutral (perhaps passive or transformer based?) possible.

Title: Re: Preamp for Sarah
Post by Lutry on 01/03/24 at 19:06:53

It's interesting to see that two members recommend the IcOn 4. I believe only those following Srajan from 6moons know about this passive preamp as it's very niche. From what I've read, it's considered one of the most transparent preamps, which aligns with the point Tom was raising. It will be on my shortlist. Unfortunately, the price of the IcOn has increased quite
bit over the last couple of years.

Title: Re: Preamp for Sarah
Post by Tony on 01/03/24 at 20:15:48

Lutry,

Keep an eye out for a sale as a used preamp. I got mine for about a third less than retail. I took it on faith from reports on the Decware Forum that it would be a good buy. In addition, I was happy with what I had before, so it still seemed like a big jump. If you are not in a rush, you will see one pop up.

Good luck!