Thinking about replacing my vintage Threshold FET-10HL with a BHK preamp or Passlabs XP-12 (both approx same price at upper end of my price range)
Any thoughts on this?
Would love if everyone tells me to keep my Threshold but feel that unlikely
Thank you
Current setup
M1200’s
P3
Dsd dac
I would keep it, whether it’s being used or not . It’s a wonderful classic.
I’ve had both the BHK and the XP-12. They both sound great and I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed in either sound.
Your choices presented here will likely result in lots of discussion of the “tube sound”, the “solid state sound”. Personally, with high level designs like these, those concepts have lost their meaning.
Right now, I’m using an XP-30 and it’s sound quality, functionality are extremely refined.
Can’t go wrong with either. But if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, maybe spend it elsewhere in your system.
Thank you
Great response
Everything ive heard about the Threshold is that its an all time classic preamp.
But like many audiophiles i suffer from the…“wonder if something even better is out there syndrome” lots to be said for just chilling and enjoying what I have
I have the Threshold FET 10_HL, and as Ron suggests I’d keep it as well. On occasion I consider passing it along, but when inserted in my system my thought is, why would I replace it. I also have a Coda 02b preamp with a similar sound and pedigree as the FET 10-L, and have yet to feel the need to replace it. Should I replace either I’d go for the Pass Labs without hesitation, build quality is a step up from the PS Audio IMO. I also prefer the Pass Labs sound in general. If I could swing it the XP-22 and XA-25 combination with my Pure Audio Project Trio 15 Classic Speakers would be the ticket. Currently experimenting with Decware amplification, a Zen SE84UFO Anniversary, soon to be replaced with a Zen SE84UFO25 Anniversary either at 2,3 WPC. Good luck with your search and please share your decision.
You might also want to look at the current Coda preamp the FET 07X. The reviewer also owns the Threshold.
http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/coda-technologies-fet-07x-preamplifier/
Yes, sound advice. Coda is certainly worth consideration.
Did you ever get a chance to listen to that Pro-ject gear you were looking into?
Unfortunately the transport is not yet available in the States. Local dealer has no firm date regarding availability for the Pro-ject RS2 T transport. From those who do own one their description is summarized as analytical. The hinged top on the Pro-ject is going to limt placement on my rack. Also, there is talk of reliability issues with the Pro-ject transport, difficult to ascertain if it is widespread. Probably best to hear one in my system, assuming it will be available in the next 3 months. There is a rumor that a new Jays CD3T Mk1 will be available utilizing the Stream Unlimited CD-Pro-8 drive and Blue Tiger servo. An announcement on their website is rumored to be out shortly. I’m in no hurry as vinyl is most satisfying and reliable.
So far the SimAudio 650D has my attention. The Esoteric K-05XS was on my short list but has been discontinued. Not interested in slightly used or demo equipment at this point.
I may take a quick drive into Kyomi Audio and see what they have that could fit my needs digitally.
I actually placed an order for the Pro-ject with a delivery date of the 18th of last month. When that didn’t happen I called AA and was given another “tentative” dat of 5/20 with the caution that was not a certainty and that they had a customer waiting since August. I just cancelled the order and moved on. I had another Pro-ject dealer I talked to on the phone who didn’t come right out and say anything bad about the RS2 but he did suggest I look at other alternatives. I too saw the post about the new Jays model and will wait to see how it is priced. Even if it does come in at what was rumored it will still be a good bit less than the PST with a more robust build and no software involvement. The current Jays is pretty damn good as it is. Ordered a Spring 3 KTE over the weekend to see how it stacks up against the Aqua.
Interesting times ahead for you. I look forward to hearing your impressions with the Holo Spring 3 KTE. The one dealer I have been working with did express a certain frustration with Pro-ject regarding the transport availability. A second Chicago dealer suggested pursuing other options as they have had a handful returned, and future availability is uncertain. My take away regarding the two transports (Pro-ject and Jays) is it will come down to personal preference in one’s system.
The SimAudio would be the easiest and most convenient near term choice, but the one thing holding me back is the design is rather long in tooth, circa 2012 IIRC.
Reliability with their TT’s has never been a strong point so really not surprising plus it doesn’t seem to inspire a lot of confidence in terms of size and weight. For now I’m having fun experimenting with gear but eventually when I have to go from two houses to one then a gear sell off will have to happen.
Like RonP, I have had plenty of Pass and BHK “stuff”. I am a HUGE fan of Pass amps but not the pre (either). With the 250.8 I had the Pass pre and sold it and paired it with ARC. That sounded much better in my system. Some great pre amps out there. Keep your baby and find one you like.
My thought as well regarding Pro-ject. Similar situation also, three to one home consolidation in the near future. Jays is more of an unknown. SimAudio is rather robust.
Yes, Pass preamps can be a bit of an acquired taste. It will depend on your system specifics.
Appreciate all the replies
thank you
Hello, Since you own a FET-10/E I am hoping I can get an answer from you about the preamp. I need a preamplifier that has a mono switch - check. I also need a preamplifier that will, in mono mode, pan full left or right to the exclusion of the opposite channel; will the FET-10/E do that? I just got my hands on a Classe SiX and sounds fantastic. It has mono and balance control, but is a sudo-balance for fine speaker adjustments. It doesn’t work for my needs. I have an eye on a used Threshold, but don’t want to get stuck with another pream that doesn’t work for me. Thanks in advance!
I’m not able to answer this
Apart from that it’s a great preamp
No problem. Did you sell or keeping? Thanks, David
I have the pass xp-30 pre. Not going to anything else
And the BHK 300 monos
I have the Threshold FET-10 and typically don’t use the mono switch or balance controls so off the top of my head I can’t provide an answer to your question. The unit is currently sidelined. When I have a chance I’ll give it a try for you, but it may be a while as it is not currently with me.
Thank you so much for the offer. Do not go out of your way. I was looking to purchase a used one and wanted to verify first.