WTB or have built balanced / SE preamp

I am planning on getting the Aegir 2 monos and need a balanced preamp, would like an autoformer based pre, or a Kozmo pre, or something that is equal in quality. single balanced in and out and single SE in and out at minimum. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated. If anyone is up for building an autoformer with Intack audio(dave slagels) autoformers please let me know. Bugdet is aroung $2,000 max
best,
Josh

 

Do you like the iron pre on diyAudio?

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/completed-balanced-iron-pre.411449/

 

Have you considered a Freya or Kara?

 

the Kara is on my list of possibilities, not sure how it compares to a an autoformer pre

 

I’ve got a Freya + and a Slagleformer - not exactly apples to apples here, but I would say the buffer mode on Freya + is most similar to the AVC. They both are crystal clear and have lively dynamics. Freya + comes with the bonus of a tube gainstage, which I’ll use for flavor sometimes - it kind of shines a light on the midrange, makes for a more fun listen. I haven’t heard Kara, but it should also present you with options, if that’s the route you go.

Also - the Iron Pre looks like it’s using a transformer to add a little gain, but there are also JFETs in there, so it probably sounds and behaves differently from something like a passive AVC or TVC. Looks cool, though, and also looks input agnostic (accepts balanced or SE) like the Schiit preamps (except passive mode).

Edit: I just reread the first post. Dave Slagle’s autoformers basically have all the work done for you, and you just have to solder the input and output and maybe a switch for multiple inputs. I did my own. It’s butt ugly, but sounds great.

You’ll need balanced sources to make it work with the Aegirs, though, if that’s a consideration.

Edit 2: When I first got my slagleformers, I was impatient, and just poked some holes in a box some records shipped in. And there is no solution more permanent than a temporary one that works. Stayed like this for a year or two until I finally got them put into a case. Point is - they’re super simple - you should be able to DIY it yourself, or find someone to do a good looking job - at your budget. And if you don’t love them, pretty easy to resell.

 

Did you use audiophile approved cardboard? If you closed the lid did the sound go from 'open' to 'closed-in'? (Sorry. Couldn't resist.)

 

Yeah the iron pre does have an input jfet buffer.

The beast of the avc pre designed by zen is the iron pumpkin

https://www.zenmod.in.rs/iron-pumpkin-another-one/

And looks like there are several iterations, all buffered input.

I will say that I have been using the iron pre balanced for about 6 months and it is pretty damn good.

.. dB

 

The Iron Pre is sold out currently - would need to wait for re-stock.

 

There's one for sale used though right now on DIYaudio. That looks like a great bet to at least try, you'd get it asap.

 

something about the iron pre does not sit well with me, I appreciate all of the suggestions

 

In your price range https://www.ebay.com/itm/121875760583

Update: but maybe new (with somewhat different parts) is cheaper... http://www.hattor.com/dualmono_preamp_the_big.html

 

thanks for the link, I have used Arek's pot and pres before, very nice. I really want an autoformer
best,
Josh

 

" @shotgunshane @ChaChaRealSmooth please close
thank you
Josh