Townshend Allegri Preamp

Posted by: George47 on 03 October 2016

i have just bought a Naim 300 (non DR) and I have paired it up with a Townshend Allegri preamp and it sounds really nice. It is connected to Audionote Es (unusual I know) and an Esoteric Transport/DAC. It really has PRAT and lots of musical detail. I am really enjoying what it does.

Issues?? It does sound slightly shouty.......would a 282 or a 252 help make the sound more full and smooth without losing the drive etc?

I have connected them using a Chord equivalent cable between the pre and power amp made for me. And suspect changing cables would not make a lot of difference or make the changes I am after. Of course I can try and listen to them but I do not want to do that if it is not the issue. I am using NAC5 speaker cables.

Has anyone heard the Allegri...282...252 and what are your observations....am I barking up the wrong tree..../

Posted on: 03 October 2016 by varyat

Woof, woof...

Naim power amps are best suited/matched with Naim Preamps. The natural partner for your 300 is a 252 which will give you the full, smooth presentation that you seek. Try a 282 if you want more of a thrill ride with loss of some micro dynamics.

The Chord cables should work fine with Naim and obviously the Naca5 is ideal for your trials.

Best of luck!

Mark

Posted on: 04 October 2016 by George47

Cheers Mark appreciate your comments. I know 2 reviewers love the Allegri+300s (new review due soon) but would like others' views assuming others have used them together.

Posted on: 04 October 2016 by George47

True but they can help narrow the field down a bit. And it was MC's enthusiasm that made me look at Naim again? I think Jason Kennedy's review will be enthusiastic. I am curious about the Allegri vs Naim 252/282 sound. I will listen at some point but getting a comparison is not simple.

Posted on: 04 October 2016 by Dozey

It might be the speakers. I have not heard the Allegri with a naim power amp however.

Posted on: 04 October 2016 by George47

Alba: Thanks I contacted Jon and his response was most helpful.

Dozey: You may be correct. I am trying to track it down now.

Posted on: 05 October 2016 by jon h

As I said in my email, I have a fair amount of experience in MC's system to NDS + Allegri + 500DR + latest big Magico. The Allegri is not a weak link in that context.