Looking for an inexpensive 2 channel preamp

DaveHo
DaveHo Posts: 3,525
in Wanted (WTB) Classifieds
This will be for an occasional second system that for now consists of a pair of SDA 1Cs , an Adcom GFA-555 & an Adcom GCD-700. By inexpensive I mean $150 or less shipped to zip 19606, and by occasional I mean something I will set up once & a while when the kids toys aren't taking up the second viable listening space. Remote controlled would be a big plus, but not required. Only looking for a straight 2 channel preamp. No pre/tuner combos or receivers with preouts. Given the associated equipment, something on the warmer side would be good, but at this price I can't be too picky.

What's in your closets!?

-Dave
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Comments

  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,802
    I was wonderin' if we might be able to talk him into a passive... :- )
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  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,525
    edited May 2015
    The Adcom CDP already has a variable output, & even with it at max I can't get enough volume with certain recordings. Unless it's fixed output is higher than the max of the variable, I don't think a passive preamp will work for me.
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    Snow has a GFP 555 for sale in the FS thread.
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  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,525
    Thanks, saw that. Shipping puts it above my price point.
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  • DollarDave
    DollarDave Posts: 2,575
    edited May 2015
    Extra pre-amps I have that you might be interested in - 2 NAD 1600's, and a B&K PT-5.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,802
    edited May 2015
    DaveHo wrote: »
    The Adcom CDP already has a variable output, & even with it at max I can't get enough volume with certain recordings. Unless it's fixed output is higher than the max of the variable, I don't think a passive preamp will work for me.
    Yes, I'd agree based on your finding, but...

    This strikes me as quite odd -- unless, as you speculate, the variable output is "constrained" to a lower voltage than the fixed "line level" output. IME, "modern" CDPs and similar components have very "hot" line-level outputs; often on the order of a couple of volts (as opposed to the classic, 1-ish volt line-level "standard"). Most CDPs need, again IME, need to be padded down considerably to interface directly to a power amp, and thus generally make good candidates for passive "preamplification".

    I do realize I am painting with very broad strokes, of course.
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,648
    DaveHo wrote: »
    By inexpensive I mean $150 or less shipped to zip 19606

    Well considering his budget is $150 shipped and that one is currently at $149.99+$14.26 shipping and 4+ days left on it, I doubt it will end up meeting one of his primary requirements.
    Some days I wonder if you even read the threads you post in, @xcapri79

    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,525
    Thanks for the offer Dave, but both those are preamp/tuner combos. Parasound would fit the bill, but is out of budget.
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  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,993
    Here's a Rotel. They often go in your range.
    ebay.com/itm/Rotel-RC-970-BX-Great-working-Pre-Amp-for-your-needs-/261899944312?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cfa740178
    b]Beach Audio[/b]: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
    Beach Study: Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra & Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * DH Labs SS Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354 * PSA Dectet
    Beach Master: WiiM Pro * Dayens Menuetto * Zu Libtec * Dynaudio Audience 50
    Beach Den: Bluesound Powernode 2i * DH Labs SS Q10 * Zu Omen DWII * Richard Gray RGPC
    Town Study: WiiM Pro * Chord Qute (Pardo) * Elekit TU-8600 * MIT S3 * Revel M22 * Beyer DT-990 * Shunyata Hydra 2
    Town Den: Music Hall mm5.1se - Denon DL-103r - Jolida JD9ii (mods) * WiiM Pro * Cary xCiter * Rogue 99 Magnum * Schiit Aegir * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2tl (mods) * Dectet * Bottlehead Crack - Senn 600
    Town Porch: WiiM Pro Plus * Sunfire Sig II * Canare 4S11 * Magnepan 1.6 * Dectet
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,648
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    More inane drivel

    Says the guy who has openly admitted that your ears don't work so well at your age. I would take *anything* you recommend with a grain of salt. Regardless of the fact that it is out of his budget as we stated when another member made another suggestion for around $150+shipping. Which you would have known, had you bothered to actually read the thread.

    Sometimes it is better to be pedantic and not waste the OP's time versus ignorant.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,202
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    The Parasound P-HP-850 is a decent two channel preamp. I use one.
    I note that there is an ebay listing you may want to take a look at.
    Some consider it to be an under-rated little gem of a preamp.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Parasound-P-HP-850-Stereo-Preamplifier-/391154840101

    I sold mine on here for about $75, though it wasn't in near as good of condition as the one on e-bay. If you can find one for around $100 or so it would be tough to beat. I hated to get rid of mine at such a low price, but it was just collecting dust. Definitely a giant killer if you could get lucky and find one within budget.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    Hey Dave,

    If you can wait until I get off my zorch and go out looking for a suitable shipping container, I have a nice Adcom GFP-555 that you can have for $75+ ship. If you need it right away, forget it, I'm just not that motivated anymore.
    Good weekend.
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  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    That's a outstandingly good price on a GFP555 George is offering you Dave, I don't think you'll find a better deal!
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  • gimpod
    gimpod Posts: 1,793
    DaveMuell wrote: »
    Extra pre-amps I have that you might be interested in - 2 NAD 1600's, and a B&K PT-5.

    I'm interested, PM sent.
    “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain
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  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,525
    George,

    Sent you a PM.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    The P-HP850 is a seriously under appreciated piece that could shame many under $750.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    I shipped Dave his new Adcom already.
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