Pre Amp

scubalab

I'm not in any hurry, but I'd eventually like to finish the new 2-channel setup by adding a nicer pre-amplifier. I'm currently using an old Denon AVR with pre outs and a phono stage as the pre.

The remainder of the setup is a B&K 125.2 and Polk LSi9s or Monitor 5JR+ (haven't decided which will stay yet). It will be used primarily as a vinyl rig with a Rega RP1 TT.

I'm hoping to find a nice tubed or hybrid pre-amp. I prefer a more neutral to warm sound and really like the B&K sound. Hoping someone might have a nice tube pre that would compliment it well and that they are willing to part with.

Budget is under a grand, but ideally closer to 500 or 600.

Thanks in advance.

-Al

Clipdat

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8h71c-dignity-audio-pm201-stereo-line-pre-amplifier-tube

Clipdat

Schiit Saga also worth a look if you want to spend less. The relay stepped volume attenuation is really nice. It has a neutral sound though, no tube influence that I've been able to detect with a NOS Sylvania installed in the single 6sn7 "buffer"

stangman67

Except the saga isn’t really a tube preamp. It has a tube, that doesn’t make it a tubed preamp.

Clipdat

Yeah, that's why I disclosed that there isn't any tube influence.

stangman67 wrote: »

Except the saga isn’t really a tube preamp. It has a tube, that doesn’t make it a tubed preamp.

scubalab

Tony referenced this one in another thread, but I don't know much about the brand. additionally, the fact that it is not local makes things a bit more difficult...

tonyb wrote: »

...anyone up for a tubed pre ?? On the cheap ??

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/ele/d/sonic-frontiers-sfl-1-hybrid/6572959707.html

scubalab

Since it will be used with a TT, something with a decent Phono stage would be nice, but I understand that may be a lot to ask for within my budget.

Keep the ideas coming.

Or... if someone's looking to change things up and have something you're willing to pass along, let me know!

scubalab

Still looking! Surely someone's got something they've been meaning to part with...

Clipdat

https://www.ebay.com/itm/YS-Audio-SYMPHONIES-PLUS-R-Remote-Tube-Preamplifier/190905561201

I was looking at this one for a while.

Dayens Ampino Preamp also in this price range.

marvda1

Clipdat wrote: »

https://www.ebay.com/itm/YS-Audio-SYMPHONIES-PLUS-R-Remote-Tube-Preamplifier/190905561201

I was looking at this one for a while.

Dayens Ampino Preamp also in this price range.

this is a good company.

Clipdat

You told me about that YS-Audio pre and I haven't stopped wanting it since you have. haha. Just don't have a spare $800 sitting around.

marvda1 wrote: »

this is a good company.

scubalab

marvda1 wrote: »

Clipdat wrote: »

https://www.ebay.com/itm/YS-Audio-SYMPHONIES-PLUS-R-Remote-Tube-Preamplifier/190905561201

I was looking at this one for a while.

Dayens Ampino Preamp also in this price range.

this is a good company.

The YS-Audio Symphonies has certainly piqued my interest! Looks like a well built and based on the reviews, a great sounding pre.

I'll keep this one in mind as I continue to take suggestions and see what's out there.

tonyb

The YS seems like a bargain, good company too. I think any time you can snag a high caliber tubed pre under a grand, it's a bargain. There's one on Ebay with a remote for 720.