Grace 902M vs Ray Samuels Stealth ... opinions???

[glacier_1998]

Considering one or the other to use as a preamp/headphone amp in my system .... primary use will be as a preamp, headphones secondary. Sound quality is most important factor followed by convenience features, etc More than likely I will not have a chance to audition either prior to purchase (used). Thanks in advance!

System context:
Sources:

Sony SCD777es
iPod Gen. III

Amplification:

47 Labs Gaincard

Speakers:

Konus Audio Essence (single Jordan JX92s driver in transmission line cabinet)

Cables:

IC's: Van Den Hul First for sources

Speaker: 47 Labs OTA cable

Thanks in advance for any info

 

[Nightfall]

Since your primary use will be as a preamp, this isnt even a close decision. Get the Stealth! It has few peers in the $3000.00 class of strictly preamps.
Beyond that, IMO, the Stealth is a better headamp too, and should be improving even further with the modification that Ray is making to the design. I cant comment on that specifically, as only a few people have even heard the modified version.


JC


Quote:

Originally Posted by glacier_1998 Considering one or the other to use as a preamp/headphone amp in my system .... primary use will be as a preamp, headphones secondary. Sound quality is most important factor followed by convenience features, etc More than likely I will not have a chance to audition either prior to purchase (used). Thanks in advance! System context: Sources: Sony SCD777es iPod Gen. III Amplification: 47 Labs Gaincard Speakers: Konus Audio Essence (single Jordan JX92s driver in transmission line cabinet) Cables: IC's: Van Den Hul First for sources Speaker: 47 Labs OTA cable Thanks in advance for any info

 

[glacier_1998]

thanks for your reply .... it seems the Stealth is THE way to go. Amazing there is not more info/opinions on this preamp. At $2495 it is a bargain in highend audio terms for the reputed performance.

Regards,

Jeff

 

[dcguy73]

Unless you're going to make use of the Grace's DAC, I'd go with the Stealth. I own a Grace, and it has a neutral, clean solid-state sound, which is fine and dandy, but I imagine you'd get a better, more dynamic sound out of the Stealth.

 

[sacd lover]

Are you open to other considerations? If so, check out the Singlepower Maestro ZR. The ZR is a statement preamp/headamp for around the same money.

www.singlepoweraudio.com

 

[agile_one]

I'll take a stab at this, since I've owned both of these very fine products.

Cutting to the chase, my recommendation is for the Stealth, based on your system and stated deciding factors. It's not a runaway by any means, but, to my ears, for long term enjoyable listening as a preamp (or headphone amp, for that matter), the Stealth should serve you better.

However, if your listening preferences lean toward a highly accurate and clinical presentation, the m902 would be better. Also, the m902 wins the feature and flexibility showdown handily - it supports different input types, has an internal dac, can independently control pre amp and headphone volume, has crossfeed, etc.

Both are built to the highest standards, and backed by outstanding customer service, so no decider there.

The differences are:

type: m902 = solid state / Stealth = tube

analog
inputs: m902 = 1 single ended (RCA), 1 balanced (XLR) / Stealth = 4 single ended (RCA)

digital
inputs: m902 = 1 toslink, 1 AES3, 1 SPDIF coax, 1 usb / Stealth = none

outputs: m902 = 2 headphone (1/4"), 1 unbalanced (RCA) / Stealth = 1 headphone (1/4"), 2 unbalanced (RCA)

crossfeed: m902 =yes / Stealth = no
(headphones only)


Good luck in your decision ...

 

[glacier_1998]

this was kinda my feeling from the start although the FEATURES of the 902M are certainly much more extensive (plus they offer remote for the lay zee among us) ... I still want the best PREAMP I can buy and the Stealth is looking like the best for that function. Thanks for your response!

Jeff

 

[glacier_1998]

the Maestro is a BEAUTIFUL looking amp! maybe I should change my question to a comparison between the Stealth and the Maestro as they actually appear to be more similar in design (apples to apples)

 

[Pneumonic]

I'd also like to suggest another option. The Sugden Headmaster.

I initially bought this as a pre-amp to pair up with my Sugden 21 power amp. As a line level, 2 channel, pre-amp it is awesome. I've owned many top pre-amps over the years.

I have just gotten into "headphoning" and thus don't have the reference side of thing down as others around here do, but I can tell you that the Sugden is an awesome sounding - albeit very unforgiving, headphone amp.

Oh, and it works extremely well with the Sony SCD777ES that you have. I have the same front end myself. The Sugden REALLY shows the Sony for all the good that it truly is.

 

[glacier_1998]

I considered the Sugden too for its features and remote option ... I just felt the Stealth and Grace were probably in a higher class as headphone amps go. Anybody else with Sugden opinions???

 

[Pneumonic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by glacier_1998 I considered the Sugden too for its features and remote option ... I just felt the Stealth and Grace were probably in a higher class as headphone amps go. Anybody else with Sugden opinions???

Not sure on the headphone amp side of things but as a line level, solid state pre-amp the Sugden is very hard to beat. My Sugden replaced a Classe DR6 for example.

One negative with the Sugden however is that it is extremely revealing of inferiority upstream. You'll not enjoy lousy recorded material with the Sugden and if your source isn't up to snuff it'll be a lousy listening experience. Fortunately, you are safe on the source side of things with the awesome Sony.

 

[glacier_1998]

the Sony is a great source component whether playing SACD's or CD's ... have been CONSIDERING having it modded by VSE but will wait til the warranty expires in the fall.

the Classe 6 is a classic so obviously the Sugden is a great pre as well ... the 6 is probably a little darker than the Sugden based on your comments but more "true to the source".

decisions decisions!

Jeff

 

[Jahn]

having owned NONE of the above lol - all i can do is direct you to the search function that says the sugden headmaster modded is a great product, but unmodded does not use its full potential.

 

[Pneumonic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by glacier_1998 the Sony is a great source component whether playing SACD's or CD's ... have been CONSIDERING having it modded by VSE but will wait til the warranty expires in the fall. the Classe 6 is a classic so obviously the Sugden is a great pre as well ... the 6 is probably a little darker than the Sugden based on your comments but more "true to the source". decisions decisions! Jeff

Figuring out how to answer those tough decisions is the best part of the game IMHO. It allows you to listen to upteen components in your quest for sonic nirvana. But I see you aren't in position to listen b4 you buy. That makes it very, very tough unfortunately, especially since you are deciding between SS and tube. Ouch!

Good luck with whatever you choose and enjoy.

 

[Pneumonic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn having owned NONE of the above lol - all i can do is direct you to the search function that says the sugden headmaster modded is a great product, but unmodded does not use its full potential.

I can't even imagine ripping apart this unit to alter what the good folk at Sugden decided upon. Especially so whilst under warranty