Good Preamp for Nakamichi PA-7

adcomcyclone

I just purchased a Nakamichi PA-7 with service and some upgrades to the bias and trim pots done recently (apparently by Jon Soderburg - Threshold).

Any good suggestions on a good preamp in the $300-$500 to go along with it. Going to be powering SDA SRS once I have them finished up. May want to get a turntable in the future, but for now just a plain jane cd player on this system, so would like to plan ahead and get preamp with good phono section.

Anyone using the PA-7, let me know what your experiences have been.

Not to get of topic, but just waiting for the SDA SRS top/bottom/side wood panels to be completed to match TV stand. Got Larry's rings installed, new grill clothe all around, and all new mounting hardware for all drivers to give them a fresh look. Crossovers and maybe interconnect for the speakers, with new terminals likely to be next.

nooshinjohn

The Nakamichi pre of the same era is a very nice piece, and well within budget.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1303711076&/Nakamichi-CA-5-II-Superb-phono

A bit over budget, but if you want to get some tubes in the mix....


http://cgi.ebay.com/Rogue-Audio-Sixty-Six-Tube-Preamplifier-w-Remote-Used-/140503289097?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b6a60d09

megasat16

Nakamichi CA-7 or CA-7A is properly matched preamp by Nak for PA-7 or PA-7II.

heiney9

Nakamichi CA-5 is much cheaper than the CA-7. Both these pre's have superb phono sections.

There are lots of options out there in you price range. Usually Nak CA-7's sell for more than your budget.

adcomcyclone

Thanks for the input guys!

I was thinking of going with a Nak to match up, but as heiney pointed out, the CA-7 is typically higher than what I would like to spend at this point. I could buy the CA-7 if needed, but not sure how much better will it be than the CA-5 or another option that I have seen on Audiogon, a Forte Model 2, which is apparently a Pass design as well. I have also been reading up on a tube preamp that seems interesting if I can find one in the range...Conrad Johnson PV11 I believe. Haven't been able to find one for sale yet, but read a couple of posts saying that they can sometimes be found around my range...maybe something to consider.

The guy I bought the Nak from is also sending a Blue Alps passive volume control, which he used with the amp and his CD player, so I am not in too much of a hurry, as I will be functional. Took me 4 years to find the Adcom GFA-4702 I run in my car, so I can be patient in my search to make sure I get the right one the first time.

heiney9

Porshman wrote: »

I have recently downsized my system after moving into smaller quarters.
I have available a CA-5, PA-7 and a ST-7. I am the original owner. Have manuals. No remotes came with this equipment. It all worked extremely well, but have replaced with lower power Denon AVR. PA-7 has been driving A/D/S L-1590's since new. I used a Yamaha DSP E1000 which is also
surplus to my needs. I would like to sell all the Nakamichi equipment for $900 net of shipping costs. I live in Virginia. If you want the CA-5 (with superior phono section), make an offer. The ST-7 has some LED's that gave up a year ago, but it works fine. All equipment is otherwise "mint."
Bob

Read the sales rules................we have the flea market for selling and then it's only after you've been here for awhile.

Porshman

Heiney9, I am very sorry I violated rules. I was so excited by the opportunity to assist
someone that I probably jumped the gun.
Bob

heiney9

No problem, just giving you a heads up about how things typically run around here. I have always loved Nak gear and owned some for many years. You might have some regret once it's gone.....it's sweet sounding gear for sure.

H9

[Deleted User]

What does the PA-7 amplifier go for typically ? :cool:

heiney9

nap wrote: »

What does the PA-7 amplifier go for typically ? :cool:

Between $700-900 on average, depending on condition and series. Series II in mint condition can bring $1K

H9

adcomcyclone

nap wrote: »

What does the PA-7 amplifier go for typically ? :cool:

Right on the money. I paid $850 with shipping from the west coast to the east coast, which was right around $100 via UPS Ground, so the amp was basically $750.

adcomcyclone

Just purchased the Nakamichi CA-5 II from Audiogon. Can't wait to get this stuff in my hands and the SDA SRS put back together.

Sadly, as soon as I have it all in hand and the cabinets re-assembled, we have to tear the room apart for the flooring to be installed...

lakesailor

I think the CA pre's were the best of that series from Nak. The ST-7 Tuner is getting to be a pretty good buy on the used market as well these days and will 'round out your Nak. system.

adcomcyclone

I was thinking of getting one of the tuners, but I have not listened to the radio in my home for more than 10 years, so probably not worth it. Got the amp and a passive volume control...it is in great shape and on top of the bias upgrades, I realized that the caps have been upgraded as well (have copy of the bill for services). I cannot wait to get this hooked up!

Picked up the replacement wood panels for the SDA SRS this morning too, so I can put them back together, and with the new grill panels, they will look brand new!

The burning question is: what do I do next?

adcomcyclone

SRS all back together, looking great, and sounding good. Got the Nak CA-5 into the system. The set up sounds good, but I am using a basic DVD player/Sony 400 disc changer (really old one) as my source units. So therefore, I bought this Shenda (Jolida) SD100S CD Player on Audiogon:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1306682875

Anyone had experience with it, and are the tubes mentioned as replacements any good?
They are JJ Tesla 12AX7 and 12AU7. I haven't even received it yet, but wonder what thoughts some you may have.