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Help me purchase my first preamp

la2vegasla2vegas Posts: 3,345
edited July 2018 in 2 Channel Audio
Well the title says it all. I need suggestions from the audio gurus that reside on this site. Now I'll start by realizing that some of you will want to suggest items that may cost a few thousand dollars, but unfortunately my budget will permit the purchase of a piece that only costs a few hundred. Yeah I know, I wish I had more to spend too.

A couple of weeks ago I was virtually gifted some Infinity RS5B's from our very own @MrBuhl, thanks again Ed. Around the same time I also purchased an Adcom GFA545 through a local seller, and I've been kicking around the idea of trying these items together.

Now for a preamp I'm open to suggestions that primarily fit my limited budget. What are some suggestions? I am definitely willing to buy used and lack of remote is not a deal breaker.
2.3TL, 3.1TL, SRS 2, SDA 2B, SDA II,SDA 1C, 7B, 7C, 7 series 2, 10B, 5JR+, 5JR, 5A, 4.5, 4, RTA 11TL, RTA 8TL, RTA 8T, LSI9 Ebony, LSI7 EBONY, LSI7 CHERRY, LSIC, RTI A7, RTI A3, CSI A4, CSI A6, F/XI A4, RTI4. That's all for now.
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Comments

  • gmcmangmcman Posts: 1,425
    You can find a B&K Reference 50 for about $2-300 used, great bang for the buck. There are other options, but if you have to make a quick decision, it will serve you well. I used one for a couple years and it was hard to find a replacement at an affordable price.

    You will need the remote.

  • nooshinjohnnooshinjohn Posts: 20,352
    Carver c16... there is a very nice Pioneer Elite c72 on Craigslist here in los angeles
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, TriangleArt Reference SE with Pass Labs Xono Phono Preamp, Walker Precision Motor Drive, ClearAudio Goldfinger Diamond v2 cartridge and Origin Conquerer Mk3c tonearm, Polk Audio "Signature" Reference Series 1.2TL with complete mods, Pass Labs X0.2 three chassis preamp, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII, Pioneer Elite SC-65, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk audio AB700/800 "in-wall" surrounds.

    Saying that it's "too hard" to pursue your dreams is no different than admitting to yourself that you are too lazy to achieve them.

    “If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
  • maxwardmaxward Posts: 331
    The above is a good recommendation and, as he said, there are other good choices used. Adcom made a couple that you might consider, given that you have an Adcom amp. New for $349 is the Schiit Saga. Plenty of recent reviews and comments on the usual forums and it has a remote.
    Thorens TD-160C; Sumiko Talisman S; Jolida JD9; Marantz CD-53; North Star Intenso;
    Joule-Electra LA-100; Balanced Power Technology AC conditioner;
    Odyssey Khartago monos (with most factory upgrades); Magnepan MG 3.6R
  • la2vegasla2vegas Posts: 3,345
    I know this is a low level preamp that I am looking for, but is there any real differences from one manufacturer to another. Do most have subwoofer connectivity in the case that I'd like to incorporate a sub?



    2.3TL, 3.1TL, SRS 2, SDA 2B, SDA II,SDA 1C, 7B, 7C, 7 series 2, 10B, 5JR+, 5JR, 5A, 4.5, 4, RTA 11TL, RTA 8TL, RTA 8T, LSI9 Ebony, LSI7 EBONY, LSI7 CHERRY, LSIC, RTI A7, RTI A3, CSI A4, CSI A6, F/XI A4, RTI4. That's all for now.
  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 13,292
    la2vegas wrote: »
    I know this is a low level preamp that I am looking for, but is there any real differences from one manufacturer to another. Do most have subwoofer connectivity in the case that I'd like to incorporate a sub?



    No most 2ch. do not
  • NightfallNightfall Posts: 7,545
    The Dared MC-7P has dual preouts so you can use a sub. It's on the upper end of what qualifies as several hundred dollars though and you'd also be in the tube rabbit hole.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.
  • NightfallNightfall Posts: 7,545
    As an aside I tried a B&K PT3 I think it was and it did not sound great. I don't know if all B&K preamps sound as bad as that one but I would not entertain the idea of getting one or the PT5 again. IMO of course.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.
  • la2vegasla2vegas Posts: 3,345
    Nightfall wrote: »
    The Dared MC-7P has dual preouts so you can use a sub. It's on the upper end of what qualifies as several hundred dollars though and you'd also be in the tube rabbit hole.

    Baby steps, baby steps. God knows I don't have enough cash to start fiddling with tubes.

    Saw this locally. Of course I don't know if it's any good. 0zmnkt34gvrw.jpghttps://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/d/lexicon-dc-1-preamplifier-pre/6637737596.html
    2.3TL, 3.1TL, SRS 2, SDA 2B, SDA II,SDA 1C, 7B, 7C, 7 series 2, 10B, 5JR+, 5JR, 5A, 4.5, 4, RTA 11TL, RTA 8TL, RTA 8T, LSI9 Ebony, LSI7 EBONY, LSI7 CHERRY, LSIC, RTI A7, RTI A3, CSI A4, CSI A6, F/XI A4, RTI4. That's all for now.
  • ClipdatClipdat Posts: 6,572
    Interesting looking Adcom with upgraded caps: https://ventura.craigslist.org/ele/d/adcom-gfp-710-preamp/6613693382.html
    • "Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
  • halohalo Posts: 5,005
    My first preamp was a Rotel RC-972. Decent bang for the buck & has a remote.

    This one is only $185 shipped and looks to be in really great shape.

    https://ebay.com/p/Rotel-RC-972-2-Channel-Pre-Amp-Processor-Amplifier/110875644?iid=202364199264&chn=ps
    Audio: KEF Q150 * NAD C 316BEE * Bluesound Node 2i * APC H10 * StudioTech HF-5 G/S
    Vinyl: Fluance RT82 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
    Video: Panasonic TH-50PZ850U * Panasonic DMP-UB200P-K * ROKU Premiere * Z-line Designs Elektra
  • nooshinjohnnooshinjohn Posts: 20,352
    Look no further...

    https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ele/6630427284.html
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, TriangleArt Reference SE with Pass Labs Xono Phono Preamp, Walker Precision Motor Drive, ClearAudio Goldfinger Diamond v2 cartridge and Origin Conquerer Mk3c tonearm, Polk Audio "Signature" Reference Series 1.2TL with complete mods, Pass Labs X0.2 three chassis preamp, PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MkII, Pioneer Elite SC-65, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk audio AB700/800 "in-wall" surrounds.

    Saying that it's "too hard" to pursue your dreams is no different than admitting to yourself that you are too lazy to achieve them.

    “If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
  • kharp1kharp1 Posts: 3,014
    edited July 2018
    This Usher might be a good candidate if you could stretch the budget just a bit. Dual pre outs, separate PS.

    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649420503-usher-p307-preamplifier/


    Here's one for a bill less:

    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649444145-usher-p307a-solid-state-preamplifier/


    Or, this Adcom:


    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649449649-adcom-gfp-750-preamp/images/1938956/
    Main System:
    Joule-Electra LA 100 MKIII Upgraded by Rich Brkich Pre
    Butler Audio TBD 2250 Amp
    PS Audio DirectStream DAC and MemoryPlayer Transport
    LSA-1 Statement
    SVS SB4000 & SB2000
    Wireworld Equinox 7 bi-wire, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 IC

    Secondary Rig:
    Parasound P5, Audio Electronics by Cary Constellation
    Marsh a200s, Audio Elecrtonics by Cary Hercules
    Pioneer Elite DV-45a, Denon DVD-2910
    Klipsch Epic CF-1, Vandersteen 3CE sig
    Analysus Plus Oval

    Backup Gear:
    Pass Labs Aleph 30, McCormack DNA-125, Parasound A21
    Marantz SA-14S1
    Usher CP-6311/Tyler Acoustics Taylo Reference Monitor, LSA-1
  • marvda1marvda1 Posts: 3,509
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/YAQIN-MS-12B-12AX7-12AU7-Vacuum-Tube-Stereo-Pre-Amplifier-RIAA-MM-Phono-Input-/183327601140
    Amplifiers: MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800, Usher R1.5
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Transport/Dac: Cayin Venus cd-100i, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkI
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra
    Speaker Cables: Analysis Plus Black Mesh Oval 9, Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme
    Interconnects: Analysis Plus Copper Oval-In Micro, MG Audio Design Planus Cu2,
    Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme
    Power Cables by: Cullen Cables, 6sons Audio, Swiss Cables
  • motorhead43026motorhead43026 Posts: 3,105
    How about a Parasound P5, $625.00 plus shipping. I own it, bought new.
    2 channel: Anthem 225 Integrated amp; Parasound Ztuner; TechnicsTT SL1350; Vincent PHO-8 phono pre; Marantz CD6005 spinner; Polk SDA2BTL's; Cables ZU Mission IC's, SC and power cords, all into a PS Audio Dectet Power center.

    All TV's sound enhanced by Polk Magnfi Mini's.

    Other; S60'S, M10 series II, M7C's, Hafler XL600 amp, RB-980BX, Parasound HCA-1500 amp , P5 preamp, all in storage. All speakers have had crossover rebuilds, resulting in a small fortune invested in Sonicaps, and tweeter upgrades.

    Political memes posted as fact and accepted as fact, are sign language of the ignorant, for the ignorant

    tonyb said " but even socialists can do a good thing here and there

    Social media makes dumb people dumber and smart people dumb then dumber.
  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 13,292
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Look no further...

    https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ele/6630427284.html

    That is nice.
  • motorhead43026motorhead43026 Posts: 3,105
    Pit, 10,000 posts, get a life man.....lol.
    2 channel: Anthem 225 Integrated amp; Parasound Ztuner; TechnicsTT SL1350; Vincent PHO-8 phono pre; Marantz CD6005 spinner; Polk SDA2BTL's; Cables ZU Mission IC's, SC and power cords, all into a PS Audio Dectet Power center.

    All TV's sound enhanced by Polk Magnfi Mini's.

    Other; S60'S, M10 series II, M7C's, Hafler XL600 amp, RB-980BX, Parasound HCA-1500 amp , P5 preamp, all in storage. All speakers have had crossover rebuilds, resulting in a small fortune invested in Sonicaps, and tweeter upgrades.

    Political memes posted as fact and accepted as fact, are sign language of the ignorant, for the ignorant

    tonyb said " but even socialists can do a good thing here and there

    Social media makes dumb people dumber and smart people dumb then dumber.
  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 13,292
    motorhead43026 wrote: »
    Pit, 10,000 posts, get a life man.....lol.

    No kidding i do not see them on my phone. :p

  • tonybtonyb Posts: 30,936
    Nightfall wrote: »
    As an aside I tried a B&K PT3 I think it was and it did not sound great. I don't know if all B&K preamps sound as bad as that one but I would not entertain the idea of getting one or the PT5 again. IMO of course.

    That one is their worst sounding pre amp. The ref series is where ya want to be in B&k pre's. Btw...the ref series have subwoofer outputs also.

    The older higher end HT processors make excellent 2 channel pre's and are a steal for a few hundies. B&k Ref 30 or 50, look for an Outlaw processor as well as an older Proceed, Classe, Anthem. They all will have subwoofer outputs.

    HT SYSTEM-2 channel
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Dynaudio Audience 72
    Polk FX500 surrounds
    Cary xciter dac
    Cullen modded Sonos
    Joule la-100 pre
    B&k Ref 4420 amp

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Analysis plus crystal oval ic's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    B&k 1430
    Tad 803 speakers
  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 13,292
    la2vegas wrote: »
    Nightfall wrote: »
    The Dared MC-7P has dual preouts so you can use a sub. It's on the upper end of what qualifies as several hundred dollars though and you'd also be in the tube rabbit hole.

    Baby steps, baby steps. God knows I don't have enough cash to start fiddling with tubes.

    Saw this locally. Of course I don't know if it's any good. 0zmnkt34gvrw.jpghttps://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/d/lexicon-dc-1-preamplifier-pre/6637737596.html

    Lexicon made good stuff.
  • tonybtonyb Posts: 30,936
    https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/d/rotel-rsp-1066-pre-amplifier/6630164433.html

    You also have a Parasound pre, Outlaw for under 300 in your neck of the woods.
    HT SYSTEM-2 channel
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Dynaudio Audience 72
    Polk FX500 surrounds
    Cary xciter dac
    Cullen modded Sonos
    Joule la-100 pre
    B&k Ref 4420 amp

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Analysis plus crystal oval ic's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    B&k 1430
    Tad 803 speakers
  • george danielgeorge daniel Posts: 11,977
    Dodd ELP if you can find one
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • msgmsg Posts: 4,885
    edited July 2018
    tonyb wrote: »
    Nightfall wrote: »
    As an aside I tried a B&K PT3 I think it was and it did not sound great. I don't know if all B&K preamps sound as bad as that one but I would not entertain the idea of getting one or the PT5 again. IMO of course.

    That one is their worst sounding pre amp. The ref series is where ya want to be in B&k pre's. Btw...the ref series have subwoofer outputs also.

    The older higher end HT processors make excellent 2 channel pre's and are a steal for a few hundies. B&k Ref 30 or 50, look for an Outlaw processor as well as an older Proceed, Classe, Anthem. They all will have subwoofer outputs.
    The Ref 5 preamp is nice, too, if you have a separate DAC already and want simple. Geppy's got one for sale over in the FS section.
    http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/182723/b-k-refenrence-5-preamp-tuner-w-remote

    I was running one of these with a Parasound amp and Squeezebox Touch with some Monitor 10s when I first got started with better interconnects and speaker cables cables, and was a beautiful combination. Like Tony, I'm also a big fan of the Reference line, and also the AVR series, like the 507.

    I'm not sure the Reference 5 offers adjustable bass management, though, unlike the Reference 50 or 30 processors do. On the Reference 5, it may be set at 80Hz.

    I also enjoy the simple presentation and ergonomics. At first, I hated it, because it was so plain, but now I really love it. Customizable, too.

    Always wondered about the Outlaw stuff, as well...
    I disabled signatures.
  • kharp1kharp1 Posts: 3,014
    motorhead43026 wrote: »
    How about a Parasound P5, $625.00 plus shipping. I own it, bought new.

    Hard to beat at this price point. Have owned one. You get a lot for the money spent.
    Main System:
    Joule-Electra LA 100 MKIII Upgraded by Rich Brkich Pre
    Butler Audio TBD 2250 Amp
    PS Audio DirectStream DAC and MemoryPlayer Transport
    LSA-1 Statement
    SVS SB4000 & SB2000
    Wireworld Equinox 7 bi-wire, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 IC

    Secondary Rig:
    Parasound P5, Audio Electronics by Cary Constellation
    Marsh a200s, Audio Elecrtonics by Cary Hercules
    Pioneer Elite DV-45a, Denon DVD-2910
    Klipsch Epic CF-1, Vandersteen 3CE sig
    Analysus Plus Oval

    Backup Gear:
    Pass Labs Aleph 30, McCormack DNA-125, Parasound A21
    Marantz SA-14S1
    Usher CP-6311/Tyler Acoustics Taylo Reference Monitor, LSA-1
  • la2vegasla2vegas Posts: 3,345
    Wow, so much welcomed advice! You guys are great.
    I have reached out to a few sellers and am awaiting responses. In the meantime I'll try to evaluate each potential preamp with the hope of making a final decision in the near future.
    2.3TL, 3.1TL, SRS 2, SDA 2B, SDA II,SDA 1C, 7B, 7C, 7 series 2, 10B, 5JR+, 5JR, 5A, 4.5, 4, RTA 11TL, RTA 8TL, RTA 8T, LSI9 Ebony, LSI7 EBONY, LSI7 CHERRY, LSIC, RTI A7, RTI A3, CSI A4, CSI A6, F/XI A4, RTI4. That's all for now.
  • TEAforONETEAforONE Posts: 52
    In your price range,you can probably find a NAD C160,or a 162. I owned a 160 a few years ago,and found it to be quite competent. Also they are loaded with features,and a pretty good phono stage too. Enjoy the hunt!!
    First Watt,Monarchy Audio,Aric Audio,Promitheus Audio,Pro-Ject,Hornshoppe,Nola,HSU,Onkyo.
  • la2vegasla2vegas Posts: 3,345
    Well I can get an Adcom GFP-565 for $350 or a Nad C-162 for $175. Not really sure which to get. Does anyone know if they are somewhat comparable to one another, or is one way better than the other?
    2.3TL, 3.1TL, SRS 2, SDA 2B, SDA II,SDA 1C, 7B, 7C, 7 series 2, 10B, 5JR+, 5JR, 5A, 4.5, 4, RTA 11TL, RTA 8TL, RTA 8T, LSI9 Ebony, LSI7 EBONY, LSI7 CHERRY, LSIC, RTI A7, RTI A3, CSI A4, CSI A6, F/XI A4, RTI4. That's all for now.
  • mhardy6647mhardy6647 Posts: 21,558
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Look no further...

    https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ele/6630427284.html

    That is nice.

    price is certainly right.
  • lightman1lightman1 Posts: 10,320
    GFP-565....

    Done deal.
  • la2vegasla2vegas Posts: 3,345
    edited July 2018
    Well the adcom slipped away, you know the sayin, you snooze you lose.

    So I settled for a B&K reference 50. Hopefully I'll get a chance to get it dialed in sometime in the next few days.
    2.3TL, 3.1TL, SRS 2, SDA 2B, SDA II,SDA 1C, 7B, 7C, 7 series 2, 10B, 5JR+, 5JR, 5A, 4.5, 4, RTA 11TL, RTA 8TL, RTA 8T, LSI9 Ebony, LSI7 EBONY, LSI7 CHERRY, LSIC, RTI A7, RTI A3, CSI A4, CSI A6, F/XI A4, RTI4. That's all for now.
  • tonybtonyb Posts: 30,936
    Cool, solid pre amp with connections up the wazoo. Let us know your thoughts and if ya need help just yell. That puppy has a million ways to tailor the sound.
    HT SYSTEM-2 channel
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Dynaudio Audience 72
    Polk FX500 surrounds
    Cary xciter dac
    Cullen modded Sonos
    Joule la-100 pre
    B&k Ref 4420 amp

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Analysis plus crystal oval ic's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    B&k 1430
    Tad 803 speakers
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