Need help choosing a pre-amp
comfortablycurt
Posts: 6,745
I'm looking for some advice on a 2 channel pre-amp.
I finally made the jump to external amplification yesterday, by buying an Adcom GFA-545 off of Brock(Heiney9). He gave me a great deal on it, and it's in pristine shape. Thanks Brock!
My Monitor 7A's are loving this amp, I've never heard them sing like this before.:D The mid-range has really come to life, the low end has gotten a lot more pronounced and much warmer sounding, the highs are a lot clearer, and have more of a sense of sparkle to them. The overall soundstage has been vastly improved.
I've got the Adcom running straight from my Cambridge DVD89 universal player right now, without a pre-amp, so needless to say, I'm in the market for a pre-amp now.
I've been looking mainly at the Adcom GFP-710 and the Adcom GFP-715, as well as the Acurus RL11.
Any suggestions for other pre's to look at in the $200-$350 range?
A remote is a necessity. A phono stage would be a big plus, since I'm planning on setting up a vinyl rig sooner or later. I'm semi open to tubes, though I'll most likely stick with SS for the time being.
I'll probably be matching it up with an Adcom GCD-750 CDP shortly after I get a pre, if that changes anyones recommendation.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance,
Curt
I finally made the jump to external amplification yesterday, by buying an Adcom GFA-545 off of Brock(Heiney9). He gave me a great deal on it, and it's in pristine shape. Thanks Brock!
My Monitor 7A's are loving this amp, I've never heard them sing like this before.:D The mid-range has really come to life, the low end has gotten a lot more pronounced and much warmer sounding, the highs are a lot clearer, and have more of a sense of sparkle to them. The overall soundstage has been vastly improved.
I've got the Adcom running straight from my Cambridge DVD89 universal player right now, without a pre-amp, so needless to say, I'm in the market for a pre-amp now.
I've been looking mainly at the Adcom GFP-710 and the Adcom GFP-715, as well as the Acurus RL11.
Any suggestions for other pre's to look at in the $200-$350 range?
A remote is a necessity. A phono stage would be a big plus, since I'm planning on setting up a vinyl rig sooner or later. I'm semi open to tubes, though I'll most likely stick with SS for the time being.
I'll probably be matching it up with an Adcom GCD-750 CDP shortly after I get a pre, if that changes anyones recommendation.
Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance,
Curt
The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
Post edited by comfortablycurt on
Comments
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Any thoughts on the B&K PT5 or the Parasound Model 2100? I really like how these two offer mono subwoofer outputs.
I have no objection to buying used either.The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's -
Welcome to the Adcom club...if there is any such thing? I'm holding out for a pre-amp myself....currently I just run mine off a Denon AVR...which is good enough for now. The Denon is somewhat neutral with a touch of warmth! I've also noticed what you described above about the difference in sound.
Don't know that B&K stuff much but I do like the Parasound. Think that would match up well with the Adcom....but really, heiney9 is the man on this!
What happened to your center channel speak? Did you just decide to leap forward and get the two channel rig going? I can understand that. I'm picking up my SDA-2Bs from Russ at the Nadams Pa. affair. Will use the Adcom to run those. Can't wait!
cnhCurrently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!
Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
[sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash] -
Dodd ELP."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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What happened to your center channel speak? Did you just decide to leap forward and get the two channel rig going? I can understand that. I'm picking up my SDA-2Bs from Russ at the Nadams Pa. affair. Will use the Adcom to run those. Can't wait!
cnh
I'm still gonna get a CSi5 eventually...I'm getting more enjoyment out of the 2 ch. though, so that's getting priority. The center channel I've got is pretty decent anyway. I'm just waiting for a good deal on a CSi5 to come along.Dodd ELP.
I have heard many many good things about those...I'm gonna have to look into them a little more.The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's -
Dodd ELP.
No remote and he's not worthy.....IMHO,of course.
Plus,I've got dibs on the local one. -
No remote and he's not worthy.....IMHO,of course.
Plus,I've got dibs on the local one.
Ha...Ha that's funny Dave....you have dibs after me on the local one.
H9"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul! -
No remote and he's not worthy.....IMHO,of course.
Plus,I've got dibs on the local one.
No remote? In that case...it's not worthy of being owned by me.:p
Sounds like I'm at least third in line for dibs on the local one, so it might be a while before I can get my hands on it in either case...lolThe nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's -
Remotes are for armchair audiophiles.
"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche -
Plus,I've got dibs on the local one.
Didn't you just sell one?
Curt, the remote option makes it a lot more difficult to get a nice preamp in your price range. If it's a must, then I'd look for a Dared SL-2000A. This was my first tube preamp, and it is very, very nice. Has two sets of outputs, so you could use one set for the sub._________________________________________________
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Glad to hear you're enjoying your jump to seperates. For your budget, you could also check craigslist for NAD and Rotel.
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JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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The Dodd ELP is starting to look more appealing...what's an average price for a used one in good condition?
I looked around, and couldn't find any for sale on the 'gon or ebay.Curt, the remote option makes it a lot more difficult to get a nice preamp in your price range. If it's a must, then I'd look for a Dared SL-2000A. This was my first tube preamp, and it is very, very nice. Has two sets of outputs, so you could use one set for the sub.
This is a fact I'm starting to realize. I'd still prefer a remote, but I guess I can live without one. It seems like most of the highly recommended ones at this price don't include them.
I'll have to look into the Dared SL-2000A.Glad to hear you're enjoying your jump to seperates. For your budget, you could also check craigslist for NAD and Rotel.
I'm enjoying it immensely. Everytime I put in a different CD, I'm astonished by how much better it sounds. I'm really looking forward to finding out how good it sounds with a pre-amp.:)
I've looked around at the NAD's and Rotels a little bit. I'll have to take a closer look at them. Any particular models I should look into?The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's -
The NAD C160 is a great unit. You should be able to find a used one at around $300. I forgot the model # on the Rotel I had. But it sounded great and was cheaper than the NAD. You could also look into used passives.
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The C160's looking like a potential option...There's one on the 'gon for $190 right now. I'm really like that price for one thing...The less I spend on the pre, means the sooner I'm going to get a CDP.:)The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's -
....check out the B&K pro10mc. Has a passive mode and a great phono section. I believe MM and MC switch.
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ELP bro'. Screw the remote.~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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Keep your eyes open for another one of these: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1248488920&/Creek-OBH-12-Passive-Preamp"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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Curt I have a Adcom 450 pre with remote. I'll give you a great deal on it.
$105 + shipping -
That is a good deal. Jump on it Curt.
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comfortablycurt wrote: »I'm just waiting for a good deal on a CSi5 to come along.
Side note: Polk Direct has the CSi5 for 179.00 and FREE SHIPPING. Not sure if you consider that a good deal, but I imagine these will be snatched up soon.2 Ch.
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ELP bro'. Screw the remote.
You've all got me really considering the Dodd ELP...I've had quite a few recommendations for it, and as much as I've searched, I can't find a single negative review of it anywhere on the internet...Curt I have a Adcom 450 pre with remote. I'll give you a great deal on it.
$105 + shipping
I saw that in the FM. I've been strongly considering it actually.
I'll get back to you on it.:)Norm Apter wrote: »Side note: Polk Direct has the CSi5 for 179.00 and FREE SHIPPING. Not sure if you consider that a good deal, but I imagine these will be snatched up soon.
I saw those, and I've been considering it, but I think I'm gonna spring for a pre first. The center channel I've got now is working well enough to satisfy me for the time being. The CSi5's seem to come in and out of stock fairly frequently there, so I'll probably pick one up after I get a pre.The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's -
Congrats on your new amp acquisition from H9 and a move to the 2 channel.
If you want to spend $200-$350 range, there are quite a bunch out there. I could even consider Tube Pre with that Adcom. There are plenty of Tube Pre on ePrey around the price you mentioned. Take a Look...Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin: -
That sounds like a damn good deal on both pre's you're being offered. I don't think you can go wrong with any.
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If you can,try to hold off until you can locate a Dodd (IMHO),,it's usually feast or famine when it comes to availability. Good luck.JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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george daniel wrote: »If you can,try to hold off until you can locate a Dodd (IMHO),,it's usually feast or famine when it comes to availability. Good luck.
I've noticed this...they seem to be pretty hard to come by. It's looking like it would definitely be worth the wait though.
I noticed that some of the ELP's have two pairs of outputs, but some of them only have one pair. If I got one that had two pairs of outputs, would I be able to use one of the pairs for stereo subs?The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's -
+1 on the Dodd ELP. I can only recommend because I have one, not because I've compared it to any lesser or better pre's
Beside's its a tube pre, so you can customize it :cool:
AS far as a remote, I can't do it with my CDP as a source, but when I use the Squeezebox (via DAC) as my source, I set the pre to the highest I expect to use it and then adjust the volume with my SB remote-So there's an option.
My Dodd ELP has 2 inputs and 1 output, IIRC. I've seen one with 3 in and 1 out.
And before anybody asks, NO I'M NOT PARTING WITH IT
Apparently I lucked out-the one I got was on the FM for 2 days before I jumped on it.____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
+1 on the Dodd ELP. I can only recommend because I have one, not because I've compared it to any lesser or better pre's Beside's its a tube pre, so you can customize it :cool:
AS far as a remote, I can't do it with my CDP as a source, but when I use the Squeezebox (via DAC) as my source, I set the pre to the highest I expect to use it and then adjust the volume with my SB remote-So there's an option.
My Dodd ELP has 2 inputs and 1 output, IIRC. I've seen one with 3 in and 1 out.
And before anybody asks, NO I'M NOT PARTING WITH IT
Apparently I lucked out-the one I got was on the FM for 2 days before I jumped on it.
Wanna part ways with it? I'll take it off your hands!;):p
I never thought of that...I'm running the Cambridge straight into the Adcom, and using the Cambridge for volume level. That's a possible solution for me.
The CDP I'm looking at (Adcom GCD-750) has a volume control as well.
Thanks for the idea. The Dodd ELP wins another point!:)
Sure you don't want to sell me your Dodd?;)The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's -
comfortablycurt wrote: »Wanna part ways with it? I'll take it off your hands!;):p
I never thought of that...I'm running the Cambridge straight into the Adcom, and using the Cambridge for volume level. That's a possible solution for me.
The CDP I'm looking at (Adcom GCD-750) has a volume control as well.
Thanks for the idea. The Dodd ELP wins another point!:)
Sure you don't want to sell me your Dodd?;)
just an inquiry,, but if I knew where one was,,are you ready to buy,,now?JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut) -
george daniel wrote: »just an inquiry,, but if I knew where one was,,are you ready to buy,,now?
troublemaker ____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
I found him one if he wants it,, no afil,,if not,whomever is,pm me and I'll get you the contact info. Hurry thoughJC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
