couple of modest preamps

Bob in WI

Anybody have any experience with Parasound PHP850 or Parasound pre's in general (modest ones, I'm sure the Halo is wonderful)? How would this compare to an Adcom GTP 500 or Yamaha C series? I'm just getting into separates & haven't had these pre's or been in position to demo them. Really having issues with indecision on this. Trying to stay under $200. (pre will feed into a 200wpc PS Audio amp to Vanderstein 2ce's) TIA.

adb3da

If you are patient you might find a NAD C160 or C162 in your price range. I got a C162 for $125 on my local Craigslist and it's a smoking good preamp. It sounds sweet. Very happy I bought this one.

cnh

For around 200-275. I can't say enough about my Nakamichi below! The CA-5.

Between 100-200 a good Hafler is a wonderful pre, if you can find one of the better models--something like a DH110! My Onkyo P-304 is also a decent pre and has a "nice" phono stage, as well. You can usually get those for less than 200.

All of the above pres are, IMHO, better than the Adcom you list. I am not as familiar with the sound of the others mentioned?

The NADs are also very good!

cnh

drumminman

adb3da@yahoo.co wrote: »

If you are patient you might find a NAD C160 or C162 in your price range. I got a C162 for $125 on my local Craigslist and it's a smoking good preamp. It sounds sweet. Very happy I bought this one.

+1 - I put my C160 back into my system for about a week while sorting out some issues with my tube linestage. The NAD is a very good SS pre with loads of flexibility. Very clean sound too.

steveinaz

I've owned both the 850 and "C" series yamahas. The 850 will be more neutral, the Yamaha a touch more tube-like. I think the PHP850 is an incredible value given it's price/performance ratio.

Bob in WI

Thanks to all. Due partly to what was available in my price range, I ended up w/ a Yamaha C-60. Its something I'd like to try & if it doesn't suit me, it is a recognized name & should be easily sellable on CL. I was using the front 1/2 of a NAD receiver as a pre for a while & that was a nice sound. I was tempted by a couple of the Parasound & there is an excellent looking white Hafler on the bay. I'm not sure who Adcom retails thru but there are dozens of used 400 & 500 series pre's for sale - they must have sold boatloads of them when they were new. Thanks again. This is my first venture into separates & I think I made the "safe" choice.

Oldfatdogs

Hello Bob,I know im a little late on this but if the Yamaha doesn't work out there's a Hafler at vintage hifi that's in your range.

http://www.vintagehifipgh.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=45_46&products_id=721&zenid=hemg1qnm8n8e4buk1khih8b8v5

Take a peek at it.
Dan

Glen B

Bob in WI wrote: »

Anybody have any experience with Parasound PHP850 or Parasound pre's in general (modest ones, I'm sure the Halo is wonderful)? How would this compare to an Adcom GTP 500 or Yamaha C series? I'm just getting into separates & haven't had these pre's or been in position to demo them. Really having issues with indecision on this. Trying to stay under $200. (pre will feed into a 200wpc PS Audio amp to Vanderstein 2ce's) TIA.

A sleeper is the Phase Linear 3000 Series 2 preamp. I had one in my equipment collection that I reluctantly was forced to sell a few months ago, along with some other pieces. It is an amazingly neutral and transparent sounding unit, and one of the best modest priced preamps I've heard. The Kenwood Basic C2 is another great budget priced unit that is the darling of vintage enthusiasts, and can be found in the $200 range.

Bob in WI

Thanks for the suggestions. Tracking indicates I may get the Yamaha tomorrow. Anxious to see how it sounds. Good to know there options if it doesn't work out. There were a few Haflers I saw for sale but I'm not familiar with the brand & don't want to get into a high maintenance piece of equipment. I'm not an audio tech by any means. Didn't see much from Phase Linear when I was shopping.

bondslex

Parasound makes some great products. Let us know how the Yamaha does.