Pre-amp-Virtue II

gary schwob · « **on:** 13 Jul 2009, 01:56 am »

I have the Virtue II and am interested in obtaining a pre-amp and configuring
the Virtue II without the pot being hooked up. I was considering the King Rex
pre-amp, $379 I am not an audiophile-looking for input as to whether this
would enhance my listening experience or not, or whether their would be
a better pre amp option for $400 or less-or just stick to running the Virtue II without a pre-amp Thanks for everyone's input on experiences/suggestions with pre-amps
etc.

HT cOz · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Jul 2009, 02:42 pm »

How about the new pre from Emotiva? http://emotiva.com/usp1.shtm

dvenardos · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Jul 2009, 05:17 pm »

These are worth considering. I should have a six-channel preamp finished fairly shortly that is based on their stepped attenuator to be used with my Virtue Two. They are based on elma attenuators with a custom pcb and are very highly regarded. They have pre-built preamps as well as the parts to DIY.
http://www.goldpt.com/prices.html

edit (surprised you aren't getting more responses):
Lots of people like these:
http://www.promitheusaudio.com/frontpage.html

cujobob · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Jul 2009, 07:47 am »

$400 is a bit tough for pre-amp choices...I would go with a good stepped attenuator as has been suggested, if that's the highest you're willing to go. If you can stretch the budget a bit...a Mapletree tubed preamp (Line2A) is $550-ish to 600 range...I recommend it all the time. Aikido preamps are nice...if you can't build yourself, they're sometimes available used for fair prices. Next best I'd consider is probably the SAS preamp which is ~$750 or so used. Other options are upgrading the source and getting an external DAC that also works as a preamp. The TADAC is one such DAC...and a few others exist that do the same. Promitheus is supposed to be nice, as well, but I'm not sure about the wait time for a new unit.

Again...for <$400, stepped attenuators are great. The EVS ultimate attenuator is one of the best available...a pair run about $200 or so used.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/id2.html Are also a great option...I own a pair and find them to be rather nice.

What I've suggested is based purely on sound quality and not convenience.

WGH · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Jul 2009, 03:12 pm »

The KingRex is a great little pre-amp. I use one in my wood shop plugged into an Anthem PVA-2 amp. The pre-amp has very clean deep punchy bass with a clear mid-range and treble. I listen all day every day and am always amazed at it's high quality sound for so little money.

I got mine used on Audiogon and it is the best and most enjoyable $200 I ever spent on audio gear.

Wayne