Preamp Hunting

gce

I'm wanting to add a preamp into my 5.1 HT. What got me thinking of this was the new Halo Integrated but I don't need amps so I'm going with a preamp not integrated. Also don't want to go with tubes for my 1st preamp.

In doing some research on my own I started with the Parasound P5 but it's has to much in it that I don't want, like a dac, head phone amp and phono pre and none of these are giant killers. The only must have is HT pass thru.

The 2 that's caught my eye so far are the Wyred STP-LE and the Musical Fidelity M6PRE. I know the M6 has a phono pre but it may be better than my Pro-Ject Tube Box DS or different. If I was to go with the Wyred I would probably push it out to a stage 1 or 2.

Lots of great reviews on the Wyred but I can't find a lot of write-ups on the M6. So I'm wondering what you experts think of these 2 preamps and if there's any others I should consider. I would like to stay within 2k to 3k but could go 4k if it was a big step up.

Emlyn

You could find a used or B stock Parasound JC-2BP around the 3K mark. The original JC-2 does not have home theater bypass. The JC-2 is an excellent matchup with the LSiM series.

Lots of choices in that category. Even though I haven't heard a Wyred4Sound preamp, I am familiar with some of their other products. I'd certainly consider trying one of their preamps since your amps are from them.

tonyb

Just my personal opinion, but I'd take the MF pre over the W4S any day of the week. 2 totally different sounds. I know I pushed the M6 integrated on someone around here and he still hasn't peeled all the **** off his face.

The p5 should remain a contender even if you never use the added goodies. Will only help re-sale value down the line.

gce

tonyb wrote: »

I'd take the MF pre over the W4S any day of the week. 2 totally different sounds.

So Tony, How would you compare the totally different sounds of these two and would you still take the MF6 over the WS4 with the stage 2 upgrades?

gce

Emlyn wrote: »

You could find a used or B stock Parasound JC-2BP around the 3K mark.

This definitely could be in the running...thanks! I just wish it came in black but then again it would be a good match with my turntable.

gce

DSkip wrote: »

You'll never see me do anything W4S. Sterile and precise best describes their products. Not for me, no way.

I've only read good reviews on the STP-LE. This is the first negative comment I've heard. So Skip what do you mean by Sterile and precise that you heard from the STP-LE?

Emlyn

gce wrote: »

Emlyn wrote: »

You could find a used or B stock Parasound JC-2BP around the 3K mark.

This definitely could be in the running...thanks! I just wish it came in black but then again it would be a good match with my turntable.

They are available in black now. Might be tough finding a black one on the used market though.

GlennDog

I would recommend Cary SLP 98
they can be modified with home theater bypass and hot rotted to boot!
I sent my pre-amp in to (Cary) & had that very Mod done, and I am very pleased

Then tube rolling fever sets in, you'll dig it man!

smglbrth

DSkip wrote: »

I can get you a Parasound 2100 and it SHOULD have HT bypass without all the extras available on the P5. I've never heard the 2100, so I can't compare it to the P5.

Now that would be good comparison, I'd be interested in seeing what peoples thoughts were between the two...

tonyb

gce wrote: »

tonyb wrote: »

I'd take the MF pre over the W4S any day of the week. 2 totally different sounds.

So Tony, How would you compare the totally different sounds of these two and would you still take the MF6 over the WS4 with the stage 2 upgrades?

I think DSKIP hit it. To my ears anyway, a sterile but highly detailed sound. The MF is more musical, has better tone, more flesh on them bones.

Don't want to give W4S a bad rap, lots of people enjoy them and their sound signature so if that floats your boat, roll with it. All I'm saying is it isn't my preference.

leftwinger57

Be very careful and take a good listen to the pres your interested in. In my limited experience I noticed a huge difference between my 2 Onkyos a P-301 and then a P-3150v both w/ the motorized volume control and all the inputs you'd want but when I was gifted the NAD 1020A there was like a veil was lifted and everything just opened up and became right front in your face and details that I had never heard before. Only draw back for my laziness it's not a remotely operated component.

gce

This will be my first preamp and the reason I want to get one is to make my 2 channel sound better. I was under the impression that running my 2 channel thru an AVR would not give me the best sound because of all the components and processing that going on in an AVR.

Thus the Preamp has none of that and just takes the music in and feeds it to your amps with no processing and much less noise so you can hear more detail that you can't hear form a noisy processing AVR. I've even heard that a display on a Preamp will add noise.

So with that said and my limited knowledge of Preamps, how can one sound more musical or sterile if the job of the Preamp is just to send the cleanest non- processed less noisy signal to your amps?

I know in most cases the higher up the ladder you go the better Preamp you get like say a Parasound P5 vs a Parasound JC2 BP. Isn't the more expensive JC2 just doing a better job at delivering a cleaner and less noisy signal to our amps or is there some kind of processing going on that will make one Preamp sound better that another?

I guess I need to understand all this before I make my decision.

Joey_V

Just breezed through this thread, did not read every post so I might be double posting...

I would say - MF gear is pretty good and my brother has the M6, my brother likes it and I've heard it sound good at his place.

I would also second the Cary 98.

I've not heard the JC2 or W4S gear, and even if I heard some of the other models of that brand, I'm not going to comment or give a blanket statement about other models in that brand. I don't believe that a comment made in presumption or assumption is helpful to you.

[Deleted User]

I'd say it depends on what you want. Some pres can add "color" and shape the sound while others just get it ready for the amp. (for starters) Makes one want to go integrated.

Joey_V

DSkip wrote: »

It's not a presumptuous blanket statement if this has been confirmed through trusted ears. It's also not a detrimental statement for those who seek the most neutral sound they can achieve.

Take a few more pot shots while you're at it why don't you?

Geez, you wake up on the wrong side of the bed or something?

There are several others here who mentioned global statements on a brand and not just you.

Never said it was directed at you Skip. Blew through the thread and barely read your comments. If you made blanket statements, that's on you. I'm only going to comment on what I hear.

From my perspective, if you haven't heard the particular gear the guy is asking about, then you have no valid opinion.

It's like saying, oh the RTi series from polk is bright so therefore all Polk speakers including the Lsi and the Lsim are bright too. That doesn't make sense.

gce

GlennDog wrote: »

I would recommend Cary SLP 98
they can be modified with home theater bypass and hot rotted to boot!
I sent my pre-amp in to (Cary) & had that very Mod done, and I am very pleased

Then tube rolling fever sets in, you'll dig it man!

GlennDog, I know I said tubes were out but they are still in the back of my mind. When Cray does the mod for HT do they do it so the Preamp can be off with the bybass functioning?

gce

DSkip wrote: »

I sell Parasound now. If you want anything, let me know.

If I decide on a Parasound I'll shot you a PM. Have you heard of any updates on the problems Parasounds having with the new Halo Integrated. This could still be an option.

steveinaz

Doesn't Parasound still make the P3?

Emlyn

steveinaz wrote: »

Doesn't Parasound still make the P3?

Looks like it was retired when the P5 came out. Audio Advisor no longer lists the P3 and the Parasound site doesn't list it as an active product.

There should be plenty of those on the used market now though.

tratliff

I agree with the others the P5 should still be a contender. Bang for buck it is really hard to beat and resell will be a breeze if you ever decide to move on.

I had a P3 for about 2 years and a P5 for about 6 months. Both were great pre's. I really liked the P5 better than the P3 but that would be understandable based on the newer design. Sound quality was a little better with the P5. The digital volume control on the P3 just never did it for me.

gce

tratliff wrote: »

I agree with the others the P5 should still be a contender. Bang for buck it is really hard to beat and resell will be a breeze if you ever decide to move on.

I had a P3 for about 2 years and a P5 for about 6 months. Both were great pre's. I really liked the P5 better than the P3 but that would be understandable based on the newer design. Sound quality was a little better with the P5. The digital volume control on the P3 just never did it for me.

So would you guys say the P5 would have better sound then putting my Marantz in pure for 2 channel listening using external Amp's?

My thinking is that the P5 is the entry level Pre for Halo. I don't know how better it would sound with what I already have? I do expect a big move up from what I have now.

nooshinjohn

If 4k is your budget... you will not beat this.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-pass-labs-xp-20-preamp-2015-05-07-preamplifiers-l5m-6e9

gce

Didn't want to go used but this looks like a giant killer! Reading the owners manual this is a killer deal. I'll look around in Audiogon but this Pass Labs is very tempting...Thanks!

nooshinjohn

gce wrote: »

Didn't want to go used but this looks like a giant killer! Reading the owners manual this is a killer deal. I'll look around in Audiogon but this Pass Labs is very tempting...Thanks!

The Pass was good enough for DK, so it was good enough for me.

I have an X1 and if you would like to hear it, you are welcome to drop by.

Joey_V

gce wrote: »

Didn't want to go used but this looks like a giant killer! Reading the owners manual this is a killer deal. I'll look around in Audiogon but this Pass Labs is very tempting...Thanks!

That's a killer preamp... going to be a far ship.

nooshinjohn

This is a link to a sale for one just like mine, the Pass Labs X1... it is worth every penny of his asking.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/pass-labs-/291461818210?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43dc7a6762

gce

I've decided I'm not going to buy used. I'm just to leery about used electronics and the shipping. But thanks for digging these up so that I could look at them. Kinda opens my eyes a little more.

nooshinjohn

I had my doubts about pre-loved audio gear. What I have found is that my journey to sonic bliss would have cost three times more for gear that won't come close to what I have. I understand your feelings and respect them however. I will keep looking.

If you want to come up to Woodland Hills and hear my stack of stuff, you are more than welcome anytime

PSOVLSK

I'd hate for you to buy something with issues, but I've found the higher up the food chain you go the better the previous owner cared for the gear. There are obviously exceptions, but for the most part I think a piece that is selling for $1K used has probably been given a lot of TLC.

Joey_V

gce wrote: »

I've decided I'm not going to buy used. I'm just to leery about used electronics and the shipping. But thanks for digging these up so that I could look at them. Kinda opens my eyes a little more.

High end audio gear is very well cared for. I have no problem with used gear...

vc69

Joey_V wrote: »

High end audio gear is often very well cared for. I have no problem with used gear...

*fixed

Agreed. I couldn't afford the gear I own otherwise. Used gear is the only way for me.