AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Cheap and Cheerful HiFi => Topic started by: GeneS on 26 Mar 2021, 01:51 pm
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I’m looking for a very inexpensive preamp to hold me over until my “real” preamp is done being built. I was going to get the Schiit SYS, but they are on back order until 5/2 (and that’s no guarantee).
I’m drawing a blank on any other brands or options that might fit the bill. I don’t need any more than 2 or 3 analog inputs.
Like I said, this is just to get me through.
Thanks in advance.
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https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=schiit+sys
https://www.amazon.com/Bellari-Audio-PP532-Passive-Preamplifier/dp/B07FDJB96C/
The rest below are just source selectors, without volume control, so IDK if they'd work for you. But I'll leave them there in case anyone else is looking for a C&C source selector.
https://www.amazon.com/SOLUPEAK-switcher-selector-Connector-Distributor/dp/B0886BF6JF/ Several options here (2, 3, or 4 inputs, all under $20)
https://www.amazon.com/TC-7240-Router-Switcher-Selector-Splitter/dp/B00KDQXITG/
https://www.amazon.com/Switch-Stereo-Switcher-Selector-Splitter/dp/B085W1PPHL/
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If you can get by with just one input this version of the Nobsound passive preamp works quite well and may sound a bit better than the version that has both RCA and balanced inputs.
https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Precision-Passive-Controller-Preamplifier/dp/B07GRLV7XG/ref=pd_di_sccai_5?pd_rd_w=vEZ2K&pf_rd_p=c9443270-b914-4430-a90b-72e3e7e784e0&pf_rd_r=M6Y1T7N05MJ00SZQVQF9&pd_rd_r=7229f4d2-ede7-408c-ba9a-7498c69a908b&pd_rd_wg=cBaUx&pd_rd_i=B07GRLV7XG&psc=1
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Topping L30 only 1 input though, Don't buy 2nd hand off ebay as it could be an issue (pre serial No.2012 had problems)
Cheap and cheerful pre amp.
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The Maverick Audio D1 for $200. I have one that I would let go for $100 in very good condition and little use. You would have to pay for shipping from MN. The Op amps were upgraded to 0627's. You can use it as a DAC, Preamp or both.
https://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/d1p
I can't remember if mine is the plus version or not.
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Pardon me for asking, GeneS
..
What preamp are you waiting on..?
Burt..
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First, thank you all for your ideas and input (no pun intended). I knew this group would come through! :thumb:
Obviously, I could get by with one input. It would mean changing it every time I change my source. Not ideal, but *possible*.
Hard to compete with a $49 Schiit component that will do what I want for a finite period of time and then be relegated to the “where did I put that” pile. :scratch:
@Delta77 an Odyssey Candela, soon to be ordered.
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The Maverick Audio D1 for $200. I have one that I would let go for $100 in very good condition and little use. You would have to pay for shipping from MN. The Op amps were upgraded to 0627's. You can use it as a DAC, Preamp or both.
https://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/d1p (https://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/d1p)
I can't remember if mine is the plus version or not.
Hey, if Gene is going to pass on your deal..... Though I want to make sure that it has the 110/220V switch on it.
PM me.
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I yield the offer and the remainder of my minutes to the gentleman from Moab, Utah.
(You guys have a great race out there....Moab 240).
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I yield the offer and the remainder of my minutes to the gentleman from Moab, Utah.
(You guys have a great race out there....Moab 240).
Thanks. They even have shorter ones like 150 and at least a couple of 100's. But I think I'll have to pass. 8)
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Why not just buy something you always wanted to try used and sell it later? If you do it right, you won't lose anything.
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Hey, if Gene is going to pass on your deal..... Though I want to make sure that it has the 110/220V switch on it.
PM me.
Yes it does, PM sent.
Larry
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You can have someone build a Pass designed Amp Camp Preamp for you or build it yourself:
https://diyaudiostore.com/collections/newest-releases/products/acp-amp-camp-pre-amp?variant=31783672152137
Definitely cheap and cheerful. Doubles as a headamp.
Best,
Anand.
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Topping L30 only 1 input though, Don't buy 2nd hand off ebay as it could be an issue (pre serial No.2012 had problems)
Cheap and cheerful pre amp.
Hi sorry for taking up again this old post. :oops:
I have two questions
1) did you test it ? can you describe its sound ?
2) where i can read the serial no. ?
Thanks a lot
Regards, gino
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Hi sorry for taking up again this old post. :oops:
I have two questions
1) did you test it ? can you describe its sound ?
2) where i can read the serial no. ?
Thanks a lot
Regards, gino
1/I have it. Currently it's being used by my cousin for headphones. Sound is clean noise free. If you want more sparkle go coloured tubes
2/ serial on the side. I had "2006" serial and they replaced it. Check the ASR and it's 257 pages: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-l30-headphone-amplifier-review.15226/ (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-l30-headphone-amplifier-review.15226/)
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1/I have it. Currently it's being used by my cousin for headphones. Sound is clean noise free. If you want more sparkle go coloured tubes
2/ serial on the side. I had "2006" serial and they replaced it. Check the ASR and it's 257 pages: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-l30-headphone-amplifier-review.15226/ (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-l30-headphone-amplifier-review.15226/)
Hi ! thank you very much indeed for your kind reply. I knew the unit but i did not know that it can be also a decent line preamp
The sparkle is a really nice thing to get by the way. Often solid state preamps sound clean but a little flat (poor 3d soundstage) and liveless.
I am still confused about the best approach. For me 3d soundstage is really everything. A preamp that cannot soundstage is a bad one.
Kind regards, gino
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Hi ! thank you very much indeed for your kind reply. I knew the unit but i did not know that it can be also a decent line preamp
The sparkle is a really nice thing to get by the way. Often solid state preamps sound clean but a little flat (poor 3d soundstage) and liveless.
I am still confused about the best approach. For me 3d soundstage is really everything. A preamp that cannot soundstage is a bad one.
Kind regards, gino
For me the L30 sounds really good but compared to my passive Intact Audio/Slagle auto former, the Autoformer has the sparkle on the top with what sounds like dimension, depth 3D space in the sound but the bass doesn't have the deep tightness of the L30.
Which do I prefer using, Topping L30 or Autoformer passive? Autoformer Passive. easy. no power. I only need a short lead from it to my power amp.
Your best approach is to try everything but also know there is no one preamp that suits every power amp.
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For me the L30 sounds really good but compared to my passive Intact Audio/Slagle auto former, the Autoformer has the sparkle on the top with what sounds like dimension, depth 3D space in the sound but the bass doesn't have the deep tightness of the L30.
Which do I prefer using, Topping L30 or Autoformer passive? Autoformer Passive. easy. no power. I only need a short lead from it to my power amp.
Your best approach is to try everything but also know there is no one preamp that suits every power amp.
Thanks again. I like the liberty that an active preamp provides to use different power amps. Even if i understand that a passive solution could be a very transparent approach. I was looking at this one here https://it.aliexpress.com/item/32840083176.html
I think that the impedance matching issue is often not solved properly. I see resistors based passive preamps with too high input impedance.
The famous Placette has around 10k of Zin. The attenuator of the link is only 2kohm if i understand well.
I have done in the past some tests ... i had a 10k log Alps blue pot and a 20K log series resistors attenuator. The 10k pot provided a more dynamic sound but the 20k attenuator a much more transparent sound. So i would like to try a 5k log attenuator and listen. Maybe even 2,5k log one.
It would be a diy solution. But the active solution is so convenient that is difficult to abandon.
I have a friend with a L30 ... i will ask him if i can try it in my system. And i will check for the series no.
Thanks again, gino
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Get the little FXAudio's Tube-06 (I have one). It has one analog and 1 digital (USB-B) input. I did a tube swap and it sound pretty nice. If you need more inputs, get a switcher and feed that into the FX. Nice to have as a back-up.
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Get the little FXAudio's Tube-06 (I have one). It has one analog and 1 digital (USB-B) input. I did a tube swap and it sound pretty nice. If you need more inputs, get a switcher and feed that into the FX. Nice to have as a back-up.
Hi thank you very much for the helpful advice. Actually i have already the cheaper Tube-01 ... this one
(https://img.joomcdn.net/fc0d6497905de870e88d5ceafa7bb8f4f3995ed4_original.jpeg)
if i understand well the Tube-06 has also opamps in the signal path ? that would improve the driving abilities of the preamp
I use only solid state power amps. I am currently using a Stello s100 mk I A nice little amp I am using small bookshelf speakers
https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/stello/3.html
(https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/stello/6.png)
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hi this is the Topping L30 i can obtain
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=239100)
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hi this is the Topping L30 i can obtain
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=239100)
That is a 2009 serial. they got re-called.
Anything above 2011 is better.
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hi this is the Topping L30 i can obtain
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=239100)
https://www.facebook.com/topping2008/posts/to-our-customerswe-are-very-thankful-for-the-support-of-the-l30-youve-shown-us-r/3978806902130139/ (https://www.facebook.com/topping2008/posts/to-our-customerswe-are-very-thankful-for-the-support-of-the-l30-youve-shown-us-r/3978806902130139/)
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I’m looking for a very inexpensive preamp to hold me over until my “real” preamp is done being built. I was going to get the Schiit SYS, but they are on back order until 5/2 (and that’s no guarantee).
I’m drawing a blank on any other brands or options that might fit the bill. I don’t need any more than 2 or 3 analog inputs.
Like I said, this is just to get me through.
Thanks in advance.
I'm currently using a second-hand Creek OBH-22 passive preamplifier while waiting for Tortuga LDR3000x.V3 Passive I ordered nearly 3 weeks ago.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=239131)
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I'm currently using a second-hand Creek OBH-22 passive preamplifier while waiting for Tortuga LDR3000x.V3 Passive I ordered nearly 3 weeks ago.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=239131)
I had that preamp in my first year in the hobby. Seeing that thing really delights me - it was great.
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I'm currently using a second-hand Creek OBH-22 passive preamplifier while waiting for Tortuga LDR3000x.V3 Passive I ordered nearly 3 weeks ago
I have been using a Tortuga passive for the past 7 years and absolutely love it. From the moment I put it into my system it's brought a level of clarity and transparency I had never before experienced in audio. No other "preamp" I've used comes close. I will be interested to know how you feel it compares to your Creek. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine.
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Adding my vote for the Tortuga. I'm using an earlier version, the LDRxB which is configured for balanced inputs and outputs. The new LDR3000x series can be configured as an active or passive unit and supports single ended and/or balanced inputs as the user requests.
My Tortuga drives a biamped system feeding four monoblock power amps-- Lampizator 211 True Balanced tube amps on top and solid state amps on bass. In direct comparisons listeners are amazed how the Tortuga is more realistic, coherent, and dynamic even against five figure preamps (active or passive). A key design feature is that no mechanical switches (e.g. input selection), volume pots, etc. are used.
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I had that preamp in my first year in the hobby. Seeing that thing really delights me - it was great.
OBH-22 was a classic example of a potentiometer preamp at its best. A brand-new one would have come in at 500 US dollars, nearly 4 times less expensive than the Tortuga LDR3000x.V3 Passive. Actually I keep my expectations low and don’t think there will be a night and day difference, as the gap between mid-level and higher-end is often subtle.
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OBH-22 was a classic example of a potentiometer preamp at its best. A brand-new one would have come in at 500 US dollars, nearly 4 times less expensive than the Tortuga LDR3000x.V3 Passive. Actually I keep my expectations low and don’t think there will be a night and day difference, as the gap between mid-level and higher-end is often subtle.
I hope you'll update the thread once you get the Tortuga installed. It does benefit from a week or two to fully settle in. Don't forget to experiment with the input impedance tuning feature. I use the Lampizator Pacific DAC which sounds best in my system with the Tortuga's input impedance set to between 95 and 97 kohm (balanced, so that's per phase). I keep 9 steps stored in the 90 to 98 kohm range so I can fine tune the sound using the remote.
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Gentlemen, please be mindful that the Tortuga despite being a great bargain is way over pricing guidelines, so we don't want it to become a Tortuga fest. But man, that is one sweet product. The Creek would also have to be used, but the post reads like the recommendation is used.
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OBH-22 was a classic example of a potentiometer preamp at its best. A brand-new one would have come in at 500 US dollars, nearly 4 times less expensive than the Tortuga LDR3000x.V3 Passive. Actually I keep my expectations low and don’t think there will be a night and day difference, as the gap between mid-level and higher-end is often subtle.
The Tortuga may well be 4 times more expensive than the OBH-22. However my Tortuga is 4 or more times less expensive than other well regarded preamps that it clearly outperforms. I dislike purchasing equipment that I know will only be a temporary part of my system. In that regard, the Tortuga has earned a lasting place in my gear.
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I hope you'll update the thread once you get the Tortuga installed. It does benefit from a week or two to fully settle in. Don't forget to experiment with the input impedance tuning feature. I use the Lampizator Pacific DAC which sounds best in my system with the Tortuga's input impedance set to between 95 and 97 kohm (balanced, so that's per phase). I keep 9 steps stored in the 90 to 98 kohm range so I can fine tune the sound using the remote.
Unfortunately because of the pandemic-induced supply chain disruption, it has been about 2 months since I placed my order for LDR3000x.V3 High Performance Passive XLR. I’m still waiting patiently.
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Unfortunately because of the pandemic-induced supply chain disruption, it has been about 2 months since I placed my order for LDR3000x.V3 High Performance Passive XLR. I’m still waiting patiently.
If you guys want to keep talking about the Tortuga we can move the discussion over to their circle, as I noted it's way over pricing guidelines for C&C.
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There was a lot of talk about the NOBSOUND pre a while ago here.
People were saying it's a great value.
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I hope you'll update the thread once you get the Tortuga installed. It does benefit from a week or two to fully settle in. Don't forget to experiment with the input impedance tuning feature. I use the Lampizator Pacific DAC which sounds best in my system with the Tortuga's input impedance set to between 95 and 97 kohm (balanced, so that's per phase). I keep 9 steps stored in the 90 to 98 kohm range so I can fine tune the sound using the remote.
Eventually I bought HoloAudio – Serene Pre-Amplifier instead of Tortuga’s passive preamp that the company decided to cancel. The Serene preamp sounds as transparent as Creek OBH-22, and somehow adds more depth perspective, refinement and sophistication to the sound, although the difference between the two is subtle.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=241971)
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Tortuga is going out of business so that's why your order was cancelled. Hopefully we can now end the discussion of massively overpriced equipment in the C&C circle. It's been fun looking at the $2,600 preamp somebody bought instead of the $1,800 preamp, but now we (hopefully) return you to the world of $118 preamps from China.
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Goldpoint passive preamps also look like solid value for money. I like its no-nonsense approach to design philosophy.
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Goldpoint passive preamps also look like solid value for money. I like its no-nonsense approach to design philosophy.
They look like great bargains and I like the professional construction. Only the SA1 meets pricing guidelines, but other models can be found used.
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Old thread but here`s a payable killer-preamp if anyone should need one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/255122499405
Sounds like "nothing", that means extremely open, sparkling dynamic high-end performance. More than enough gain for my
RIAA but also a good enough pot to play from whispering-level on my modified high-output CD-player.
Have one in my system now,
and this post here on ac is one of the reasond I decided to try it:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=170698.0
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I have no experience with it, but a link for this little tube preamp (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804724392489.html?srcSns=sns_Copy&spreadType=socialShare&bizType=ProductDetail&social_params=20809208344&aff_fcid=0282e4fb50754f1fa874a03500d63022-1676757985440-09263-_mODhAIm&tt=MG&fbclid=IwAR3Seoebdevl-bPY50QqTKe-PuIRJ8wzExkhTvLH1HocX-oRiP1YOyVsEKY&aff_fsk=_mODhAIm&aff_platform=default&sk=_mODhAIm&aff_trace_key=0282e4fb50754f1fa874a03500d63022-1676757985440-09263-_mODhAIm&shareId=20809208344&businessType=ProductDetail&platform=AE&terminal_id=1089ca3b662d4cd388dc4b7014e8159f&afSmartRedirect=y&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa&_randl_shipto=US) on Ali Express, came across my path the other day, and I have to admit to being tempted...
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I have no experience with it, but a link for this little tube preamp on Ali Express, came across my path the other day, and I have to admit to being tempted...
Who can resist this feature? Fever bile duct
I wish it had an easy - top access to the tubes.