Looking for an inexpensive 2 channel preamp

DaveHo

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

mhardy6647

I was wonderin' if we might be able to talk him into a passive... :- )

DaveHo

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.

deronb1

Snow has a GFP 555 for sale in the FS thread.

DaveHo

Thanks, saw that. Shipping puts it above my price point.

DollarDave

Extra pre-amps I have that you might be interested in - 2 NAD 1600's, and a B&K PT-5.

mhardy6647

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.

DaveHo

Thanks for the offer Dave, but both those are preamp/tuner combos. Parasound would fit the bill, but is out of budget.

vcwatkins

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

PSOVLSK

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.

George Grand

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.

Polkie2009

That's a outstandingly good price on a GFP555 George is offering you Dave, I don't think you'll find a better deal!

gimpod

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.

DaveHo

George,

Sent you a PM.

steveinaz

The P-HP850 is a seriously under appreciated piece that could shame many under $750.

George Grand

I shipped Dave his new Adcom already.