Preamp for GFA-5800

cokewithvanilla

I don't plan on upgrading this amp in the time I'm at school, so I need a preamp that is just as good as the amp, no better. I would really like to have a digital in since my source is a computer.

The speakers will probably be LSi9's if that matters.

Any suggestions (on the cheap is always good )?

concealer404

There's a B&K Reference 5 SII for sale here for $300. Great sounding pre, but no digital. Grab that and a DacMagic and you're ready to roll.

The Ref 5 and the GFA-5802 that i had here a few months ago was a GREAT match.

twochannel

Try to locate a GFP-750. The 750 and a 5800 or 5802 are a perfect match. I have seen the 750 go for as low as $600 on Agon.

concealer404

OP, what's your actual budget?

twochannel

If your budget is tight, another great preamp is the GFP-715.

cstmar01

concealer404 wrote: »

There's a B&K Reference 5 SII for sale here for $300. Great sounding pre, but no digital. Grab that and a DacMagic and you're ready to roll.

The Ref 5 and the GFA-5802 that i had here a few months ago was a GREAT match.

agreed.

concealer404

cstmar01 wrote: »

agreed.

Even the GFA-5802 owner agrees!

If you could swing a GFP-750, i'd give the nod to that over the B&K. I'd probably rather the B&K than the 715, though.

cokewithvanilla

Thanks for your replies.

I don't usually give myself a budget. The goal is to spend the least possible. This is for my college apartment.

What \are the main differences between the 715,750 and B&K?

cstmar01

Personally if I was going to go all out for it and had the coin I would go for the 750. Is is a great pre amp that mates very very very well with the 5802 however I would think the 5800 would be an awesome pairing as well.

It is said to be a very solid, well built unit, that is very neutral from what I know. Also if they have the "blue boards" they are normally sought after more.

cokewithvanilla

cstmar01 wrote: »

Personally if I was going to go all out for it and had the coin I would go for the 750.

Rarely does a college kid use that phrase

HOw big is the gap between the 715 and 750? I gather its 715>B&K>750

Also, whats the difference between the GFP 7 series vs 5 series? theres a 565 for 365 on ebay, it strikes me as a quite a bit.. as I assume lesser number = lesser product (I'm such a savvy consumer )

concealer404

cokewithvanilla wrote: »

Thanks for your replies.

I don't usually give myself a budget. The goal is to spend the least possible. This is for my college apartment.

What \are the main differences between the 715,750 and B&K?

The GFP series in theory should be "the match" to your amp.

I haven't actually heard the 750, but i've also never heard anything bad about it. I've heard the 715, and it's nice, but i liked the B&K over it. Sounded warmer to be, and a more "sparkle-y" high end without getting harsh. And it's newer.

Keep in mind, NONE of these have digital inputs, so you'd have to spring for a dac if that's what you want.

Another option would be something like the Peachtree Decco that Freddy is/isn't/is/isn't/is/isn't selling.

heiney9

The Adcom GFP-750 FTW against any of those mentioned here. It's a great, dead neutral pre-amp and priced riduculous on the used market for the performance you get. I recently had an opportunity to compare my 750 to my bro's BAT VK-40 and there were subtle difference's but both sounded fantastic. It would be a hard choice for me between the two. The 750 is a serious piece of gear.

H9

cstmar01

Also the 750 does not have a phono input so if you are a vinyl guy you would need to pic up a phono stage.

concealer404

The Peachtree is back for sale. Go grab that and be happy.

heiney9

concealer404 wrote: »

The Peachtree is back for sale. Go grab that and be happy.

That would not make me happy, get the 750 unless it's way out of the budget. I can certainly understand being on a college students budget.

twochannel

How big is the gap between the 715 and 750?

I have both of these preamps. If I had never heard the 750, I would be more than satisfied with the 715 in both my systems. The 750 has a somewhat deeper/wider soundstage, a bit more detailed, and seems to have better channel seperation.
I have some CD's that actually sound better with the 715! If they are a tad bright and lack bass, I sparingly use the tone control that the 750 doesn't have.

heiney9

Biggest difference is the 715 uses cheap switching I/C's and opamps. The 750 uses expensive switching relays and no opamps.

It makes a big difference in sound. But again, college student, budget, etc......the 715 might be a very good choice.

H9

cokewithvanilla

Thanks for all the responses. I got pulled over yesterday and it totally put a hole in my budget... check this out:



SOOOO, there's this NAD 1300 in the FS section... is it any good?

kawizx9r

Won't ask what the ticket is for but ouch

Talk to Harry, he's still got the NAD but he's going to put it up on Ebay. Excellent guy to deal with, and he packs things that'll withstand a nuclear blast..and THEN some!

-Freddy

ratster

Wow!Murfreesboro is greedy.