Looking for preamp suggestions for a pair of Maraschino Cherry inline monos.

[wav3form]

Hey ASR peeps, I picked up a pair of Maraschino Cherry monos recently and I'm on the hunt for a balanced preamp to hook up to 'em. Right now I'm using an Erhard Audio Aretha tube pre (uses four 6SL7) but it doesn't have balanced inputs or outputs. I have an Orchard Audio rca to xlr convertor as a stop gap but I'd like to see what other Maraschino owners are running. Any recommendations?

 

[staticV3]

If you want to keep the Maraschino Mono's sound unaltered, then take a look at the Pre90.

It's a relatively inexpensive way to get utterly transparent preamplification.

Stereophile gave it a glowing review as well.

 

[wav3form]

If you want to keep the Maraschino Mono's sound unaltered, then take a look at the Pre90.

It's a relatively inexpensive way to get utterly transparent preamplification.

Stereophile gave it a glowing review as well.

Nice, I haven't considered the Pre90. I was just looking at a Ladder Bach and a Denafrips Athena but it's so hard to choose.

 

[JSmith]

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

www.schiit.com

Schiit KARA Preamp and Headphone Amp Review

This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the Schiit KARA balanced preamplifier and headphone amp with stepped relay control. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $699. Oh wait... that is the picture of our dog, Kara! :D Here is the Schiit version: As I have...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[JustJones]

Benchmark HPA4

Benchmark HPA4 Headphone / Line Amplifier

The HPA4 is currently shipping from stock. Overview The Ultimate Headphone Amplifier Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. and THX, Ltd. have partnered to introduce the Benchmark HPA4 headphone/line amplifier featuring THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA™) technology. THX AAA™ reduces harmonic...

benchmarkmedia.com

 

[wav3form]

Benchmark HPA4

Benchmark HPA4 Headphone / Line Amplifier

The HPA4 is currently shipping from stock. Overview The Ultimate Headphone Amplifier Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. and THX, Ltd. have partnered to introduce the Benchmark HPA4 headphone/line amplifier featuring THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA™) technology. THX AAA™ reduces harmonic...

benchmarkmedia.com

I'm looking at the LA4 since I don't really want the headphone amp option. Good call though.

 

[wav3form]

You know I have a SMSL DO200 which is a few years old DAC with a preamp function and XLR in/out and tried that out today. Hooked my iFi Zen Stream up to it via USB, ran XLR out to my Cherry monos and even hooked my Martin Logan 10" sub to it. I didn't realize you can just turn on all the outputs and it'll run your sub as a variable out as well. It's clappin' right now through my Magnepan LRS+.

Not sure I need a preamp right now, it sounds perfectly fine, quiet and clear. That Benchmark is calling my name though.

 

[Andale67]

I know this thread is old but I have a Benchmark LA4 running into some Cherry maraschino DTM amps and it very nice.I’m currently using ZU omen dw speakers and looking for others to try.

 

[wav3form]

I know this thread is old but I have a Benchmark LA4 running into some Cherry maraschino DTM amps and it very nice.I’m currently using ZU omen dw speakers and looking for others to try.

That’s ok, I’m still looking! I’m using a smsl do200 as a DAC/preamp currently (with the cherries and Magnepan LRS+ and it sounds good. I’m just wondering if I can improve.