Recommend A 2 Channel Pre Please

2

Comments

  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    ESAVINON wrote: »
    I have a sunfire classic tube preamp and a parasound halo p3 available for sale.

    What's the Sunfire model?
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,066
    edited October 2007
    this one: http://sunfire.com/ClassicVacuumTubePreAmp.htm
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

    The SRT SEISMIC System:
    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,066
    edited October 2007
    Here's the for sale link: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50983&highlight=sunfire+classic
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

    The SRT SEISMIC System:
    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    So I guess Stereo luver did not buy it...?
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited October 2007
    I'll throw a few other tube pre amp ideas out. Joule, BAT and VTL. What's your budget and what are you mating it with?
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,066
    edited October 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    So I guess Stereo luver did not buy it...?

    Nope :(.
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

    The SRT SEISMIC System:
    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    F1nut wrote: »
    I'll throw a few other tube pre amp ideas out. Joule, BAT and VTL. What's your budget and what are you mating it with?

    Parasound HCA 1500 and I am not sure about the budget yet. I like around $500.00 or so used.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited October 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    Parasound HCA 1500 and I am not sure about the budget yet. I like around $500.00 or so used.

    There are two Parasound PLD-2000 on Ebay right now. That almost never happens. The one with a $425 BIN looks great and comes w/original box/remote/etc. (EDIT: looks like both have original box/etc) Solid state preamps don't get much better than this one.(IMHO) John Curl overkill at its best.

    If you haven't seen the guts on the Parasound, look in the "show me your guts" thread for inside pics of mine. http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=703713&postcount=459

    If you don't care for it, I'm sure you could resell without any loss. (as long as you talk the seller down from his ridiculous $50 shipping rate)
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2007
    Yashu wrote: »
    What about Naim?

    I would never own another NAIM pre-amp.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    Parasound HCA 1500 and I am not sure about the budget yet. I like around $500.00 or so used.

    My A3CR is mated with an HCA-1500A...HEY you trying to copy off of me?:D
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    steveinaz wrote: »
    My A3CR is mated with an HCA-1500A...HEY you trying to copy off of me?:D

    Yes. Ha. When I grow up I want to be just like you.:D Is that really so? That's too funny. I guess you like the combination.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    billbillw wrote: »
    There are two Parasound PLD-2000 on Ebay right now. That almost never happens. The one with a $425 BIN looks great and comes w/original box/remote/etc. (EDIT: looks like both have original box/etc) Solid state preamps don't get much better than this one.(IMHO) John Curl overkill at its best.

    If you haven't seen the guts on the Parasound, look in the "show me your guts" thread for inside pics of mine. http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=703713&postcount=459

    If you don't care for it, I'm sure you could resell without any loss. (as long as you talk the seller down from his ridiculous $50 shipping rate)

    I can't really find anything on the PLD 2000s. How would they be an improvement over the 850?
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2007
    Look at my signature...Benchmark, A3CR, HCA-1500A...what's going on here?:D
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited October 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    I can't really find anything on the PLD 2000s. How would they be an improvement over the 850?

    ? There is lots of talk on the internet about the PLD-2000. Its a frequently recommended preamp over at Audioasylum.

    http://www.parasound.com/vintage/pld2000.php

    compare to:

    http://www.parasound.com/vintage/php850.php

    Basically, the PLD-2000 is John Curl statement piece. It was the best preamp that Parasound made up until the newly released Halo JC2 preamp (which sell for something like $4k)
    Compared to the PHP-850, it has at least 4 times the capacitance, uses complementarly class A mosfets instead of opamps, is dual mono on separate boards, has full relay switching (instead of CMOS) and uses top end parts throughout.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited October 2007
    Hello,
    A nice Audio Research SP6 would be nice.
    Ken
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • capecodder
    capecodder Posts: 613
    edited October 2007
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I would never own another NAIM pre-amp.

    Mark- Just curious about your statement, you have a much better awareness of whats what than I. I still have the older vintage (1988) NAC 62 preamp and NAP 90 I picked up last year. I'm not using them right now and am trying to decide what to do with them. When I hooked them up, and ran through the Linn Kans I was very impressed. Very audible difference compared to my basement vintage iron rig of a Dynaco 410 and AGI 511 Preamp. Definitely a minimalist approach and Naim seems to have a (very) dedicated fan base.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    billbillw wrote: »
    ? There is lots of talk on the internet about the PLD-2000. Its a frequently recommended preamp over at Audioasylum.

    http://www.parasound.com/vintage/pld2000.php

    compare to:

    http://www.parasound.com/vintage/php850.php

    Basically, the PLD-2000 is John Curl statement piece. It was the best preamp that Parasound made up until the newly released Halo JC2 preamp (which sell for something like $4k)
    Compared to the PHP-850, it has at least 4 times the capacitance, uses complementarly class A mosfets instead of opamps, is dual mono on separate boards, has full relay switching (instead of CMOS) and uses top end parts throughout.

    Thanks. I mean of opinions , reviews etc.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited October 2007
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    Thanks. I mean of opinions , reviews etc.


    Discussion at Audiogon:
    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1122051598&openflup&2&4#2

    Discussion at AudioAsylum:
    http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/search.mpl?searchtext=p%2Fld-2000+parasound&b=AND&topic=&topics_only=N&author=&date1=&date2=&slowmessage=&sort=score&sortOrder=DESC&forum=ALL
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Look at my signature...Benchmark, A3CR, HCA-1500A...what's going on here?:D

    We can be twins! Now all you have to do is get a hold of some VR4 Jrs.:D
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2007
    capecodder wrote: »
    Mark- Just curious about your statement, you have a much better awareness of whats what than I. I still have the older vintage (1988) NAC 62 preamp and NAP 90 I picked up last year. I'm not using them right now and am trying to decide what to do with them. When I hooked them up, and ran through the Linn Kans I was very impressed. Very audible difference compared to my basement vintage iron rig of a Dynaco 410 and AGI 511 Preamp. Definitely a minimalist approach and Naim seems to have a (very) dedicated fan base.

    It was moreso a factor of not knowing what I was buying this time. I picked it up last minute, super cheap and blind. I had the 112x and didn't know it needed a power supply which was another $600 for a used Flatcap. The proprietary DIN connections are just silly to me. And it was overall a bigger investment to eventually hear it. The new stuff is pretty killer, sonically top notch but it left a bad taste in my mouth, so I sold it all.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    billbillw wrote: »
    Discussion at Audiogon:
    http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1122051598&openflup&2&4#2

    Discussion at AudioAsylum:
    http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/search.mpl?searchtext=p%2Fld-2000+parasound&b=AND&topic=&topics_only=N&author=&date1=&date2=&slowmessage=&sort=score&sortOrder=DESC&forum=ALL

    Thank You.:)
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    Ok. I decided based on budget and reviews online and recommendations here. I went with the Musical Fidelity A3Cr. I will contrast and compare so we shall see if the Parasound 850 will be up once again in the FM or if the Music Hall will be....

    Thanks for all the input.

    One good thing is if I like the phone stage, I can sell mine and defray the
    cost a lot.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2007
    I think you're going to be VERY happy.

    FWIW and IIRC Stereophile gave the A3CR a class "A" rating, it's phono stage a class "B" not too shabby.
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I think you're going to be VERY happy.

    FWIW and IIRC Stereophile gave the A3CR a class "A" rating, it's phono stage a class "B" not too shabby.

    IIRC?

    Allrighty. We will see and I will be honest.:) Thanks for the help. Now when are you going to get those Von Schweikerts so we can really match?:D
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited October 2007
    If you're remotely interested in tubes, with HT by-pass and remote, there's a great deal in the FM :p

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58687

    Edit: never mind; had not seen post #53. The MF is a GREAT choice
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2007
    IIRC=If I recall correctly

    Regretfully, I'll have to wait for a wealthy relative to pass away before I can get into some VS's.

    Right now my focus is on a new motorcycle. So many hobbies and so little time....
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    steveinaz wrote: »
    IIRC=If I recall correctly

    Regretfully, I'll have to wait for a wealthy relative to pass away before I can get into some VS's.

    Right now my focus is on a new motorcycle. So many hobbies and so little time....

    Well you obviously need to get your priorities in order.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited October 2007
    Well, I was hoping to get someone else here to join the Parasound pld2k club, but I'm sure you will like MF too.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    billbillw wrote: »
    Well, I was hoping to get someone else here to join the Parasound pld2k club, but I'm sure you will like MF too.

    I was seriously considering it but I thought I would try a different brand alltogether since I have the Parasound amp to balance out the warmth there.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chicomoralessxm
    Chicomoralessxm Posts: 417
    edited October 2007
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    Odyssey Candela or Tempest

    How much do these go for?
    Chicomorales:)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter