Looking for a new Pre.
Refefer
Posts: 1,280
Hey guys,
I need some input about where to go with my setup. I'm hoping to make the next step up with my gear, and the only thing I havn't upgraded in the last 3 months would be my Parasound P/HP 850. I like the device, but I find the background noise to be a little too high and I dislike not having a remote control. The latter is the big thing I want to get rid of since it really limits where my gear can be placed and I'd prefer to place it in it's own separate place.
I'm thinking of something in the $700 - $800 range. I can't really stretch above $800 unfortunately.
I'm looking for recommendation for my pre, I'm thinking of the Musical Fidelity A3CR which is selling on agon for around $750 w/shipping.
Any other recommendations?
I need some input about where to go with my setup. I'm hoping to make the next step up with my gear, and the only thing I havn't upgraded in the last 3 months would be my Parasound P/HP 850. I like the device, but I find the background noise to be a little too high and I dislike not having a remote control. The latter is the big thing I want to get rid of since it really limits where my gear can be placed and I'd prefer to place it in it's own separate place.
I'm thinking of something in the $700 - $800 range. I can't really stretch above $800 unfortunately.
I'm looking for recommendation for my pre, I'm thinking of the Musical Fidelity A3CR which is selling on agon for around $750 w/shipping.
Any other recommendations?
Lovin that music year after year.
Main 2 Channel System
Polk SDA-1B,
Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
Rotel RB-980BX,
OPPO DV-970HD,
Lite Audio DAC AH,
IXOS XHA305 Interconnects
Computer Rig
Polk SDA CRS+,
Creek Audio 5350 SE,
Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
HRT Music Streamer II
Main 2 Channel System
Polk SDA-1B,
Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
Rotel RB-980BX,
OPPO DV-970HD,
Lite Audio DAC AH,
IXOS XHA305 Interconnects
Computer Rig
Polk SDA CRS+,
Creek Audio 5350 SE,
Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
HRT Music Streamer II
Post edited by Refefer on
Comments
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Be careful, it'll take more money than you think to outdo that PHP850.
You've been warned, note my A3CR below....
Having said that, my MF A3CR is my anchor. It will go nowhere for a very long time. Just don't expect miracles over the parasound P/HP-850 (I had one), it's more of a tribute to Parasound than a slam on MF. The P/HP-850 is a VERY underrated preamp. Some of the things the A3CR brings to the table are; less analytical, a little more lush sound, very smooth grain-free treble, good slam/pace, minimalist design and "built-like-a-tank" true dual-mono construction.
If your looking for a good deal on a MF, check Upscale Audio. You'll get a full warranty and excellent support.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 -
Yes, I've been fairly pleased with how well the Parasound has performed, but I figure for $700-$800 on the used market I should be able to do better than it? I'm just looking for a decent preamp which I can be satisfied with for a couple of years that makes use of a remote control. I've heard good things about the Musical Fidelity A3CR, so I figured that would be the product to start from.Lovin that music year after year.
Main 2 Channel System
Polk SDA-1B,
Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
Rotel RB-980BX,
OPPO DV-970HD,
Lite Audio DAC AH,
IXOS XHA305 Interconnects
Computer Rig
Polk SDA CRS+,
Creek Audio 5350 SE,
Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
HRT Music Streamer II -
I would certainly follow up Steve's recommendation, of the Musical Fidelity piece, this company is truly dedicated to audio and makes many stellar HI-FI components. They begin with the printed circuit board make sure the circuit is fundamentally correct and work from there, a logical next for you if you are staying solid state.
RT1 -
I really like my MF A3cr also. It's a very good value and sounds great.
However, $750 seems a little high to me for a used A3cr. But if it inlcludes shipping it may not be all bad considering it weighs about 30 pounds. I thought I saw them selling for $600-650 + shipping a few months ago.Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15 -
I got my first one for $625 shipped (via ebay). My 2nd one came from Upscale audio, it was an "open box" for $940--full warranty, never used, a demo piece.
Like I said, I doubt I'll ever part with my A3CR.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
