Looking for a new preamp

audioluvr

So you rotten enabling basteges are making me think I need to look into upgrading my old B&K Reference 50 Pre/Pro with a dedicated 2 ch. pre. Not sure if I want to go solid state or tube. What I do want is balanced outputs (and preferably inputs) and a remote. Also not over 10 years old as I don't want something that needs rebuilt. Hoping what I find will be my end game pre as I'm not looking for unobtainium. Let's say budget is in the $800 range.

Thoughts on brands/models?

motorstereo

A 10 year old end game pre for $800???? I've never seen or heard of such a thing but I wish you good luck.
With St. Patty's day approaching perhaps finding a bouquet of 4 leaf clovers first might help

tophatjohnny

The end game part killed me! 😂

motorhead43026

There is a Parasound P5 for sale in the FM for 7 Benjamins.

Mikey081057

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/185846/parasound-p5-2-1-pre-amplifier-black#latest

steveinaz

Yep....perfect.

tonyb

In that price range, your not going to get everything you want. The P-5 for sale in the FM is about the best your going to do to match what you want. I wouldn't call it an end game piece though.

If your looking for just better sound than what the B&k offers, on the cheap, there's a MF 3cr pre for 600 on US Audiomart.

BTW, what speakers are you running ? I ask because of your request for balanced connections. Usually the higher sensitive speakers require balanced connections because the noise floor in your system is more easily heard.

Emlyn

Although the Parasound is a great deal, I am not sure it is much of an improvement in analog sound quality over the Reference 50. Seems like a lateral move with more up to date features including some that may not be needed. I had a Reference 50 and it was pretty good for two channel itself. It was an expensive and well designed piece of gear when it first came out.

I would recommend a bare bones tube preamp for something truly different. Trouble with that is balanced connections usually come with a bigger price tag and getting a good set of tubes can cost a significant amount too.

Mr_Hz

Not listed anywhere, but I have a new/'never used' Parasound Halo JC-2 BP in black. Long story why I never used it. Fantastic solid state 2ch pre. But I'd be looking to get in the ~2500 range. PM me if interested.

motorhead43026

^^long way from $800.00. But this would be end game for someone.

Clipdat

PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC/Preamp $1,100 if you can stretch the budget.

audioluvr

Thanks guys. Sounds like I just need to save up some more coin.

verb

At about the $1000 range you can go tubes. I did on the VTL 2.5 and also the EAR 834L. To me, the improvement was stunning.

Although not balanced connections.

treitz3

I have a Cary CPA-1 in your price range that fits all of your criteria with the exception of "end game". That's a tough one to get at the price point you suggested. It does not have your preferred balanced inputs but it does have balanced outputs.

Someone else has dibs on it but if it falls through, it can be yours if you want it. FWIW.

Tom

nooshinjohn

audioluvr wrote: »

So you rotten enabling basteges are making me think I need to look into upgrading my old B&K Reference 50 Pre/Pro with a dedicated 2 ch. pre. Not sure if I want to go solid state or tube. What I do want is balanced outputs (and preferably inputs) and a remote. Also not over 10 years old as I don't want something that needs rebuilt. Hoping what I find will be my end game pre as I'm not looking for unobtainium. Let's say budget is in the $800 range.

Thoughts on brands/models?

Save your coin for a while and look for a Pass Labs X2.5...... Endgame for 1800 or so...

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649504579-pass-labs-x25/

According to his ad, he seems eager to deal on it.. I would offer 1250 on it and see how eager he is. Pass Labs service is exceptional, so I would have it sent there first before coming to you and have them give it a look before it comes to you. When they ship it to you, you will think you bought a brand new one.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0905/passlabsalephx25.htm

tlainhart

Don't know about "end game", but I recently purchased a Schiit Freya that I'm happy with. Balanced ins/outs, tube, JFET or passive.

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya

dragon1952

Eastern Electric Minimax preamp, if you can find one with the Tom Tutay mods, would be a great choice in that price range. Many people think you'd have to spend upwards of $3-4K to do better.

audioluvr

My end game expectations are probably different than some of yours...

Good ideas so far! Thanks everyone!

delkal

Aric Audio Unlimited tube pre? Pretty much bare bones and only RCA but custom hand made in the US. He lists the model with a phono pre for more on his website but has been listing a linestage one for $800 on Ebay (Not currently though).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aric-Audio-Unlimited-Stereo-Tube-Line-Preamp-phono-stage-not-INCLUDED-/153363421375?_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l10137&nordt=true&rt=nc&orig_cvip=true

audioluvr

So looks like I'm leaning towards the Cary line of pre's.

treitz3 wrote: »

I have a Cary CPA-1 in your price range that fits all of your criteria with the exception of "end game". That's a tough one to get at the price point you suggested. It does not have your preferred balanced inputs but it does have balanced outputs.

Someone else has dibs on it but if it falls through, it can be yours if you want it. FWIW.

Tom

Tom, Thanks for the offer! It would be a good step up for me I believe. Hifiengine says it does have both XLR inputs and outputs. You sure?

I was also looking at the Cary SL-100's if I chose to stay with solid state. Not 100% sure I want to go SS or tube yet. Just seems tubes require a lot of tweaking to get the sound you like and I'm not a big tinkerer. I just like to sit down with a drink and enjoy the music.

Ultimately I want to replace my B&K pre with something I can enjoy for the next 15-20 years. I have reached out to @acmf74 who has a Cary SLP-03 for sale.

tonyb

Tweeking with tubes is easy, as opposed to having to buy/sell SS gear you don't like the sound of. I see that as a benefit, not a fault.

pglbook

dragon1952 wrote: »

Eastern Electric Minimax preamp, if you can find one with the Tom Tutay mods, would be a great choice in that price range. Many people think you'd have to spend upwards of $3-4K to do better.[/quote}

I can second the Eastern Electric MiniMax suggestion. I bought one a few weeks ago from a PF member and absolutely love it (the one I have does not have the mods which dragon1952 mentioned). It is a great pre and a great value at its price point and would be within your budget. Plus it is a great way for a tube newbie (as I still am) to get into tubes as the MiniMax only has 3 (very accessible) tubes. You have to be patient looking for one though as they do not routinely come up for sale.

pglbook

dragon1952 wrote: »

Eastern Electric Minimax preamp, if you can find one with the Tom Tutay mods, would be a great choice in that price range. Many people think you'd have to spend upwards of $3-4K to do better.

I can second the Eastern Electric MiniMax suggestion. I bought one a few weeks ago from a PF member and absolutely love it (the one I have does not have the mods which dragon1952 mentioned). It is a great pre and a great value at its price point and would be within your budget. Plus it is a great way for a tube newbie (as I still am) to get into tubes as the MiniMax only has 3 (very accessible) tubes. You have to be patient looking for one though as they do not routinely come up for sale.

audioluvr

tonyb wrote: »

Tweeking with tubes is easy, as opposed to having to buy/sell SS gear you don't like the sound of. I see that as a benefit, not a fault.

Good point.

The EEM's don't have XLR or remote. Since I've already invested heavily (to me) in this for what I have I wanted to stick with that. Also no remote no go. I'm lazy...

verb

audioluvr wrote: »

So looks like I'm leaning towards the Cary line of pre's.

treitz3 wrote: »

I have a Cary CPA-1 in your price range that fits all of your criteria with the exception of "end game". That's a tough one to get at the price point you suggested. It does not have your preferred balanced inputs but it does have balanced outputs.

Someone else has dibs on it but if it falls through, it can be yours if you want it. FWIW.

Tom

Tom, Thanks for the offer! It would be a good step up for me I believe. Hifiengine says it does have both XLR inputs and outputs. You sure?

I was also looking at the Cary SL-100's if I chose to stay with solid state. Not 100% sure I want to go SS or tube yet. Just seems tubes require a lot of tweaking to get the sound you like and I'm not a big tinkerer. I just like to sit down with a drink and enjoy the music.

Ultimately I want to replace my B&K pre with something I can enjoy for the next 15-20 years. I have reached out to @acmf74 who has a Cary SLP-03 for sale.

TOOBS dude!

heiney9

Tubes add soul!

H9

Magnaryder

Schiit Freya tubed, it’s new great service and <$700. Seems to fit the bill.

ray

ALL212

tlainhart wrote: »

Don't know about "end game", but I recently purchased a Schiit Freya that I'm happy with. Balanced ins/outs, tube, JFET or passive.

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya

Yep... fills your bill and easily resold if you hate it. I've got the Saga and it's very impressive.

heiney9

Schitt is getting real!

Mikey081057

Where do you sell Schitt ?

audioluvr

In the long run, would I be better off with Schitt or Cary?