PS Audio 6.0 Preamplifiers
PS Audio 6.0 Preamplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Sep 25, 2009]
Pedro Alexandre Ferreira Silva
AudioPhile
Manda afinar o teu pré-amplificador pois não se fabrica mais mas duram muito.
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[Nov 03, 2002]
david hicks
AudioPhile
Strength:
none
Weakness:
everything this is for the 4.5 i think it sounds horrible,at least in my system, the first reviewer here said he used a carver c1? i dont know too much about the c1,but i will tell you right now,that the carver c2 outperforms the ps audio 4.5 in every aspect,even with the external transformer,theres absolutely no detail,no bass whatsoever.and this is compared to a carver preamp from the early 80's,the ps audio is 90's i belive.go ahead, i dare anyone to go buy a carver c2 for a 100 bucks,anywhere,and buy this 4.5,for about the same price,after all,you can always sell the ps audio when you realize its inferiority,and get your money back. Similar Products Used: carver c2,gas thalia,sumo electra,gas thoebe,for pre-amps,old dynaco st 120,acurus a150,and an old heathkit, for amps,amc cd8b player,audio alchemy v1.1 dac,vandersteen model 1's,tannoy proto-j's,miss |
[Feb 07, 2002]
Nalukoa
AudioPhile
Strength:
Straightwire mode Wonderful phono section Great switching options (mono output, plenty of source switching, two tape loops)
Weakness:
No remote, styling may not appeal to all. HTF M-500 supply upgrade is essential. THIS IS A REVIEW OF THE 5.5 PREAMP! I''ve owned this preamp since 1987 (I think) and it has served admirably to link my front end to the business end of my sytem through many changes. I upgraded my 5.0 to 5.5 status, which improved control layout and soundstaging over the 5.0. I also use the M-500 power supply (which would run a decent sized amp!), which should be considered essential. This has been a very reliable, fine sounding, solid state amp which was only bettered in my system (ML Sequel 2''s, Bryston 3B, Denon 1500 and Straightwire cables at the time) by running the CD player directly into the amp. Even that config was only marginally more transparent than the ''straightwire'' option the preamp gives you. Don''t underestimate the value of the striaghtwire section. In the average system (reasonable cable runs) and a stout source output section (tuner/digital only obviously), the straightwire mode is hard to beat at ANY price. The phono section has superb loading options and is more than adequate for modest analog front ends. I still use the phono section for my Star/ET2/Aurum front end. You''ve got to get into the $2000 range to find a better new preamp with phono - if you can find one at all. Slight clicks/static on switch operation, no remote and so-so looks (I like ''em, some don''t) are relative bummers in this otherwise excellent performer (better than its raved-about little brother the 4.5. Considering you can find this pre used for under $500, it is a bargain, and the fact that PSAudio is still alive and kicking (ass) is icing on the cake! SCORE SUMMARY: I''d give it 4.5 for sound quality (5 for straightwire mode, 4 for the line stage); 4.5 for value (5 for used value); 3.5 for cosmetics (like-it-or-hate-it-sleek-and-black); 4 for feature set (great, flexible phono, mono output option, no remote, "old fashioned" preamp - no processing); 4 for build (doesn''t reach that Krell feel, more like a budget ARC). Recommended! Similar Products Used: Citation 7.0 Carver C-1 (many others auditioned, only these two used for similar length of time) |
[Oct 12, 2000]
The Defiler
Audiophile
Strength:
Compact design and ability to to smooth out high frequencies.
Weakness:
This unit could certainly use a remote. In addition that same ability to smooth out high frequency information can be a weakness as well as a strength.
Similar Products Used: Adcom GSA-700. Direct source feed into DAC and amplifier. |
[Aug 15, 2000]
Richard
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Straightwire (passive) and bypass modes; very neutral sound; price; touch-sensitive controls (summer)
Weakness:
Touch-sensitive controls (winter) I know it's been almost 3 years since the previous review, but still, ditto to everything Jordan said. It is an extremely well made unit that sounds as good or better (at least in my system) than several other $600-new preamps I've auditioned. If you can find one in good shape at the prevailing price, it's a steal. I generally run mine in straightwire/bypass mode for the cleanest sound. The touch-sensitive controls for straightwire, bypass, and tape monitor are cool, except in winter. If I walk over to adjust the volume and forget to first release my static charge elsewhere (a good idea no matter what your equipment), the unit is likely to turn off. |
[Dec 02, 1997]
Jordan Dourmashkin
an Audio Enthusiast
For those budjet minded, or budjet lacking individuals (like myself) who build a system from the amp/speakers inward, the preamp often comes in last. Finding a less expensive preamp that combines flexibility and hopefully at the very least no negative effect on sound was not easy. The 6.0 can be somewhat readily found used for between $225 & $275 (1997 $$) depending on condition and seller. It has a very nice low profile design (with some funky touch sensitive selectors), 2 outputs, and a variety of inputs: 2 tape loops, CD, DSP, Tuner, and a Phono input, but no phono section, but having the input is a very nice option on a line stage; I use an AA VAC + Counterpoint pre-preamp and the combo works well. The preamp runs either active or passive (straightwire). The difference between active and passive is noticeable at higher levels, and seems best for CD. New the preamp listed for somewhere in the $7-800 range, but never sold for that much -- something in the range of $6-700. Overall the PS audio is a fine unit, I don't think you can go wrong for the price they fetch. Compared to other units in the $$$ range (NAD, Rotel, e.g., the british sound,) I find the PS audio to be a more neutral unit, or I guess you could say it isn't as dark sounding, but not in any way harsh -- I would compare it to a nicer Superphon preamp, or the like. |