[metropolis_488]

Hello out there, I am new to AC and could use some help.

I am looking for a cheap ($500 or less) pre-amp to pair with one of the Class D Audio kits (still have not decided which kit - the CDC series has an input impeadence of only 7k, which can influence pre-amp selection).

I am open to a kit (that would be fun) so long as I don't have to drill any holes in any sheetmetal (I really don't have the tools for it), but I am competent with a solder iron.

Must Haves:
1) Remote for at least volume (input selection would be a plus, but not needed)
2) 2 pairs of inputs and outputs for the amp (obviously) and for a sub

Not required, but would REALLY prefer a unit that is made in the USA.

Thanks!

[TrungT]

Tortuga LDR3x

[metropolis_488]

Thanks for the link.  Are there cases that are available that are pre-drilled for these?  If so, where?  I have never done a DIY audio component before.

Thanks!

[TrungT]

I can help you. 
Check your PM

[metropolis_488]

Got it. I just responded with an email. Thanks!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I would go with a Tube preamp.  I have a CDA 254 with a Grant Fidelity tube preamp/DAC driving my MMG's in a secondary system.  The combo is great.  The tubes certainly tame some of the brightness that the Class D Audio amps can have have.

Give a look at the Jolida with a remote-

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-jolida-jd-5t-new-remote-tube-preamp-2014-01-28-preamplifiers-30067

And this Cary-

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-cary-cary-slp30-tube-preamp-modded-musical-excellent-conditon-new-tubes-2014-01-17-preamplifiers-98312

If you want to spend a little more money, I have a Van Alstine hybrid tube preamp for sale from avahifi.com  It is an Ultra Plus, a hybrid tube-ss preamp with multiple inputs and outputs, has a home theater by pass switch and a remote.  It cost over $2K new, and I am selling it for $950.  It was just checked out by avahifi in october here in Woodbury MN, 3min from my house.  I am selling it because I upgraded to a Pass Labs X1 preamp to go with my Pass Labs X250 amp.

[metropolis_488]

Thanks G-Hound!
The Cary does not have a remote, so that won't work.

When you say the CDA is "bright" - relative to what?  Bright may be what I am looking for. I ask as, obviously, system matching is huge.  I have Philharmonic Philharmonitors, which when compared to some other speakers such as PSB or even my Salk Surround 1s, are laid-back (which is great as then never cause a ring in my ears).

I have had several amps paired with these speakers:
Mystere all tube integrated - great sounding, but the slight sluggish attack didn't pair well with already laid back speakers
Parasound Halo - also too laid back
Sherbourn/Emotica p-2250 (basically an emotiva XPA-2) - didn't love that amp
Peachtree 220 - not bad, but still didn't rock me
Arcam a38 - did A Lot of things REALLY well, but again lacked some immediacy (if that is a word)
NAD 326 (current amp) - works much better with these speakers.  Would keep, but I am trying to build an all USA system (not looking to get into a political discussion about it, though).   

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I find the CDA 254 to lean to the sunny side.  It has excellent bass, tight, musical with a nice airy midrange.  It is slightly tube like in character with good air. but the treble has too much sparkle and if the recording is even remotely bright I find it difficult to listen too   Very fatiguing.  Even the SDS amps have this problem.  The amp can be sibilant.  It needs careful matching with a preamp, source and speakers.  The amps are fairly dynamic.  My CDA is supposed to be 250wpc but in no way does it sound that powerful.  Make sure you get the larger torroidal power supply.  Its a nice amp and a lot of bang for the buck and hard to beat for the price.  It sounds almost as good as my Parasound A21 in some respects and does not belong in the same room as my Pass labs X250.

Which Parasound Halo did you find laid back?  My Halo A21 is any thing but laid back, it has great pace and rhythm and is a fast musical and dynamic amp.  If you found an A21 to be laid back then you will be disappointed with the Class D Audio amps.  Certainly the preamp and music source will play a roll in this.

Here is a great deal on an Adcom Preamp-

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-adcom-gtp-860-preamp-tuner-silver-face-save-1000-very-good-performer-2014-01-30-preamplifiers-19401

[mhconley]

I would go with a Tube preamp.

I was going to say the same thing...

I am very happy with my YS-Audio / Audio Experience Balanced A2 tube preamplifier that front ends my DIY Bang & Olufsen 1000ASP ICEpower (class D) monoblocks.  Chui Yat Sang is very responsive and builds great products.  He helped me choose some components to take my preamp to his Balanced A2 Plus level.

I bet his Symphonies V2R preamplifier would be a good match for your amps.  It fits your budget, too.

Martin