Need Ideas for a used Remote Pre

Paden501

Hey all.

I'm looking into getting a remote control preamp to add to my system. Until now I've been using an Onkyo TX-DS777 HT reciever w/ a seperate Pioneer amp for powering my SDA-1Cs. I'm holding on to the Pio for now, but I'm considering an upgrade to my pre. The Onkyo does real nice work with Dolby Digital and DTS stuff, but I'd like to find something nicer for my vinyl and CD listening.

With all that said, I don't have much money to spend (like $200 or so) so I'm looking strictly used, CL listings and such. I have a Carver CT-17 in mind, but I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions for comparably priced pre-amps.

Thanks much.

BB3

Paden501,

I'm trying to remember what Tom(beemers417) has down at the shop???? I know he has to have something that would fit the bill and at least there, you can see it, feel it, touch it, so on and so on.

I really like your line of thinking here and what you are trying to accomplish Paden501. I just need a little more time to think about it myself and I'll get back to you.----Bill(BB3)

Paden501

Thanks BB3. I visited Tom a few weeks ago and that's what got my wheels turning on all this. I'm really interested in something that has a decent MM phono section, as the phono on my Onkyo is a real letdown. I also really want a remote, although if I ran into something superior at a great price I can be swayed on that one.

Another one of the things I liked about the CT-17 was that it has a source direct mode, eliminating a lot of the tone features for CD listening. Buuut I don't want to be blinded by the idea of a Carver, just because I have a Carver CD player... the truth is I don't know enough about what else is out there and that's why I started this thread.

Thanks.

BB3

Gotcha and I totally understand. I was wondering if any of that Adcom equipment would get the job done for you ?

Here's the thing though, if I'm not mistaken that MM Phono section quality your after, definitely resides in alot of Carver equipment, so it may be your best choice after all Paden501.

Let me think about it some more please.

---

Bill

BB3

Paden501,

That SAE-P102 at Toms looks like it would get the job done, and its in perfect shape.
The question is, is its sound better than a Carver Pre ?

OOPS ! Sorry I don't believe it has a remote ? Maybe give Tom a call. In the meantime I'll keep brainstorming........BB3

Paden501

I picked up a good deal on a CT-17 off of CL last night. It's being shipped to me, and should be in tomorrow. Hopefully I made the right decision. I'll post up my thoughts once I get the goods in my hands and listen for a while.

Thanks for the input.

Paden501

Well my CT-17 showed up this weekend and I've been listening to it all night tonight. So far, I can say that I'm pretty impressed. It's got some pretty nice features including a 'remote' pre-out (which I'll be using for a sub), and a CD Direct setting, which I really like.

My main concern was that the phono stage live up to my expectation and so far it has. I get pretty good quality sound from my turntable now. Much better than from the Onkyo HTR, but still not as good as my father-in-law's McIntosh reciever. Buuuut considering that he's got more invested in his reciever than I have into my entire setup, I'm ok with that.

All-in-all I'm rather pleased with the purchase.

BB3

Paden501,

Congrats and good move on getting that Carver. I'm glad that you are happy with it.
As always, take care and happy listening Paden501.

---

BB3

vijayl

congratulations.. Any pictures?