I am looking for opinions on pre amps.

PRC

I am looking for opinions on pre amps.

I just hooked up my new Rotel 1070 amp. I run RTi8's. Two channel guy. The amp really makes the Polks come to life. I now would like to get a pre amp. A few people have said go tube. Dodd was recommended. BUT first I would like to learn some more about a solid state. I have no personal experience so I am relying on this forum, reviews, and friends. I would like to still have a base and treble control, or some way to control the sound, but may not be necessary.

I have looked at the Rotel 1070 and 1090, and the Adcom 450 and 750.

Any opinions?

Thanks
Patrick

heiney9

The 750 over the 450 hands down. The 450 isn't even in the same league. I'd even choose the 750 over the Rotels, but that's just me. I'm sure the Rotels would mate nicely with your Rotel amp. The 750 has gotten great reviews as being a very neutral pre. My brother has one in his main system and it is very open and natural. When/if I replace my Nak I'll probably get a 750. Best bang for the buck and best bang even compared to many 2-3 times the price.

H9

Edit: Oops, I see you wanted tone controls...that takes the Adcom 750 out of the running. Doesn't need them.

F1nut

Don't walk, run past the SS pre amps. Tube is the only way to go and forget tone controls, those are for babies.

del44

I also have the RB-1070. Nice amp. Never gets hot. I was checking into some 2 channel pre's also. The Rotel RC-1090 and Adcom 750 seem like some good contenders.

tonyv1

You don't need stinking tone controls! Mine has a Balance knob and a Mono/Stereo switch also.

rscamer

Try this place.
www.space-tech-lab.com

PRC

Thanks for all the imput. I have some thinking to do. Based on what I have been heaing, tubes sound like they are steps above the SS. Thanks for the web site - www.space-tech-lab.com.

Are tube pre's typically compatable with SS amps? Or do tube pre's go with tube amps.

Why are tube's better, is it just sound quality?

Thanks.
Patrick

Dennis Gardner

I find it funny that everyone is stating that you don't need tone controls. This may be true with a tube setup as it boosts the levels on its own. Tone controls can add noise in some circiuts which is bad, but generally if you like your tone tweaked, tweak away.

Yes I run tubes and luv' em.

F1nut

Patrick,

Yes, tube pre amps work wonderfully with SS amps, it's the best of both worlds. Yes, it is the sound quality.....just a more natural sound.

Dennis,

With respect, there are reasons you don't find tone controls on better gear and yes, noise is one of them.

heiney9

Tone controls are evil

H9

unbridled_id

Don't forget about passive pre's, they have alot to offer if you can implement one into your system.

W WALDECKER

i have owned the rotel rc 1090 preamp which i spent about $1200 on and for almost the exact same amount of money i bought a odyssey tempest. the rc 1090 was very good but i prefer the tempests sound much more. it is just on the dark side of neutral and is very airy and open and just lets the music come through. some people describe the sound as tube like but it is a solid state preamp. everyone has thier preferences but i like this one enough that i feel no need to look elsewhere. marsh sound design has the p 2000 linestage with remote on the audio advisor website and this unit is supposed to be excellent and is in the same price range as the other two but the fact is there are so many good preamps on the market that you should try to audition as many as possible before deciding what is best for your taste and your system....good luck