Stereo Pre Recommendations

EndersShadow

So now that I have a PHENOMENAL DAC in the DacMagic, my need for all the bells and whistles in the Sunfire TGP-II has significantly diminished. So I am trying to see what more basic model pre-amps are out there that I should start looking for to help simplify my setup.

Here is what I am looking for in any stereo pre-amp I would start looking for:

1. Remote w/ volume control. Input switching not required since I need to get up to use the TT anyway, so I can easily adjust the input switch
2. Pre-outs. 2 sets would be preferable so I could bi-amp more powerful speakers (see list at bottom)
3. Tube's would be nice but not required. I have a low price-point and am not against adding a tube buffer later on in between the pre and amp, or source and amp.
4. Either a nice phono input that means I dont need a phono pre, or 2 sets of RCA's so I can add a phono pre
5. Between 300 - 500.
6. New or Used is fine.

As much as I would LOVE to just do an integrated, due to the speakers I want to run through my system at some point (Carver Amazings, Carver AL-III's, Magnepan 1.6 or 1.7's, etc) I will need some pretty high wattage (and voltage) and most integrated gear in the price range I am looking at wont have the power to drive these speakers like they need. I am trying to make this a pre that I can keep for quite some time since the USB/Optical/SPDIF portion of anything will be handled by my Cambridge for a long time.

So give me some recommendations for stuff to look for out there to be looking for. Thanks in advance guys!

erniejade

I am not sure if the adcom has a remote but, a gfp565 has a great phono pre, 2 sets of out plus a bypass out, and fits your budget.

tonyb

erniejade wrote: »

I am not sure if the adcom has a remote but, a gfp565 has a great phono pre, 2 sets of out plus a bypass out, and fits your budget.

Earn, given he's using the Sunfire as his pre, that Adcom is probably a lateral move at best imho.

Off the top of my head in the SS department, Look for a B&k Ref 30 or 50. The older parasound pre's are nice, and we have an Anthem in the flea market right now on the cheap. Tubes....local craigslist still has that Anthem integrated I was looking at, but you can just use it as a pre if you want. Off course there's the Dared too but may not have everything you want for connections/phono.

For pure sound quality in a SS pre in your price range....going to be tough to beat that b&k.

polkfarmboy

I have a nice German Audioblock pre listed here, solid build quality, phono section, remote and more importantly very good sound for a 1k preamp. I have a dared but its over the budget.

tonyb

For 2 bones, I'd give this a whirl with 2 outputs.....

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-new-luminous-audio-passive-pre-axiom-ii-rca-xlr-and-multi-in-available-as-well-2014-01-02-preamplifiers-23229

Audiogon also has an Odyssey Tempest fairly cheap.

tonyb

There's a Ps Audio 4.5 pre with phono on craigslist now for 175 bucks...in Plainfield Illinois so not too bad of a drive for ya.

agfrost

...if only we knew someone who lived in Plainfield...

tonyb

agfrost wrote: »

...if only we knew someone who lived in Plainfield...

You pointing at Rich ? LOL

Dudes probably pretty busy but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

falconcry72

tonyb wrote: »

For 2 bones, I'd give this a whirl with 2 outputs.....

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-new-luminous-audio-passive-pre-axiom-ii-rca-xlr-and-multi-in-available-as-well-2014-01-02-preamplifiers-23229

Audiogon also has an Odyssey Tempest fairly cheap.

My dad got a similar passive pre by this company and he absolutely LOVES it. It replaced the famed Adcom GFP-750 in his system..

EndersShadow

tonyb wrote: »

For 2 bones, I'd give this a whirl with 2 outputs.....

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-new-luminous-audio-passive-pre-axiom-ii-rca-xlr-and-multi-in-available-as-well-2014-01-02-preamplifiers-23229

No remote.

tonyb wrote: »

Audiogon also has an Odyssey Tempest fairly cheap.

Will take a look. IIRC that brand is based out of Indianapolis which would be even nicer should there be issues.

tonyb wrote: »

There's a Ps Audio 4.5 pre with phono on craigslist now for 175 bucks...in Plainfield Illinois so not too bad of a drive for ya.

Will have to take a looksee as well.

SCompRacer

LOL, Jay. I do have a nice diy two channel pre with multiple inputs/outputs but you'd have to add a remote volume pot. Currently it has a more exacting purists step ladder volume control. Alps pots among other standard volume pots are not always equal output throughout their range. Like at 9 oclock one channel may be slightly louder than the other, but at 11 they are equal.

adb3da

I've got a NAD C162 posted in the Flea Market. I don't have the remote but I was able to program my Logitech Harmony to work with it.

deronb1

Parasound line drive pre amps have a very nice sound. PL/D 1100 is reasonable and would have everything you need

steveinaz

^Yessir. Even parasounds' budget preamps punch way above their weight.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Agreed on Parasound, the 850 and current 2100 are both particularly good against their direct competition.

brianle

A used Eastern Electric Minimax pre .... nevermind ... no remote

tonyb

brianle wrote: »

A used Eastern Electric Minimax pre .... nevermind ... no remote

If you see one for the OP's limit of 500 clams, let me know.

brianle

I got mine for 500

Mikey081057

parasound p2100 used 400-500

mrbiron

There's a decent looking Anthem Pre in the flea market. Haven't checked to see who's selling it but I imagine he'd be willing to work another deal??

I bet the seller might out of the graces of God, already have your shipping address......

:-P

AsSiMiLaTeD

The Parasound 2100 is really hard to beat for the price and features it has, the HT bypass is very handy.