Cheap 2 Channel Pre-Amp Recommendations

gongos · « **on:** 15 Nov 2004, 08:42 pm »

I'm looking for a good cheap 2 channel stereo preamp on the used market. Something in the $200-$300 range. Any suggestions? I'm thinking about using the Teac Tripath amps with it to drive my 626r's. Thanks.

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 08:47 pm »

Is DIY an option for you? I can think of some great choices if DIY is any option that don't require settling for less. You can take a look a luminous' passive pre if you want a pre-fab.

gongos · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:01 pm »

No DIY. No tools, time, or know how.

byteme · « **Reply #3 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:03 pm »

Try to find a Philly Audio preamp. Lovely little tubed piece that sounds great!

JoshK · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:03 pm »

How many source components do you have? What type of features must you have? What are your speakers/amp, i.e. do you need gain in your preamp or can you go passive?

mcgsxr · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:24 pm »

I have a PS Audio IV preamp (strictly passive) that I HAVE used to passively biamp with a pair of Teacs. PM me if interested.

gongos · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:26 pm »

I'm only going to be using one component with it, a Modwright tube-modified 999es. I'll be using a JVC Tripath amp. I have a pair of 626r's and VMPS 215 sub. I need to be able to hook a sub-amp up to it. I'm trying to see how much stereo SQ I can get with a really inexpensive set-up.

JoshK · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:28 pm »

Hmmm....not sure what the input impedance of the JVC is. Also not sure about the Input impedance of the sub amp, but more than likely this takes you out of passive preamp.

Music Maven · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:29 pm »

Far and away Audiogon.com will be your best marketplace for used.

If you're willing to accept something two or three years old, expect to pay maybe one half to one third of original price.

Always check the feedback for any seller.

Do you want tubes, hybrid or solid state?

The April and October issues of STEREOPHILE give their "recommended components" but there's a lot of good stuff that whether because of their politics or their mindset, never reaches their radar.

If you can find THE INNER EAR REPORT or UHF from Canada on your newsstand both of these often review interesting obscure stuff.

Jerry

gongos · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:34 pm »

I wouldn't mind tube, but in this price range I'm not going to be too picky. One correction, the amp is a Teac Tripath.

Fife12 · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:44 pm »

You can take a look at the the basic http://www.space-tech-lab.com stuff or find a cheap passive pre like the Creeks or LAT Axioms.

Merle · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 Nov 2004, 09:51 pm »

Suprised no one has mentioned this. The Adcom GFP565. Always on Audiogon around the $300 range. A fine preamp for $300.

warnerwh · « **Reply #12 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 02:21 am »

Get an Adcom GFP 555II. You can get one for less than 200 off of Ebay. It's quiet an works well. No remote but the quality is very good, especially for the price.

ABEX · « **Reply #13 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 04:39 am »

I used an FT Audio Passive for a year which has been inserted against many fine Actives and has been on par, if not better in some areas like transparency , with a Jadis Pre.

Sensitivity is an issue and if you are using a CDP as a Source you'd had best consider an outboard DAC with high Output resistors in the 6v plus range in order to get enough gain.The investment is well worth the cost as it still stands out as being the best system I had ever used in my home. If I were to be staying in a house in the future I would get anotehr.

OTOH no one has mentioned B&K's PT-3 either which can equal to the ability of the Adcom .Parasound is another worth looking at. I was thinking of getting a B&K until recently as my priorities have changed and I shall be redesigning an RV using a Digital receiver and a few efficient speakers for travel and HT.

Good luck!

gongos · « **Reply #14 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 08:50 pm »

I think I might try a Dodd Entry Level Tube preamp with a sub output.

lcrim · « **Reply #15 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 09:00 pm »

I run a pair of the Teacs driving Sonus Faber Concertino Homes. I am using just the center channel Tripath board in each as it is not split into L & R outputs like the other board. This reduces demands on the power supply and results in a very sophisticated sound.
But, I use a tube preamp w/ 20dB gain, the Audio Electronic Supply AE-3 (Cary) and its contribution of bloom is quite nice. I've also run the system w/ a Wright Sound WPL11 also a tube unit, so I've never heard the Teac with solid state or a passive pre.
Because the Teacs are quite transparent, I would definitely recommend a preamp that reflects your taste in sound rather than your budget. You could end up replacing it at a loss, so get the right one first time around.
Just my 2 cents.

RooX · « **Reply #16 on:** 16 Nov 2004, 11:25 pm »

Dont forget teh odyssey audio Etesian preamp, its only 350.00 and i have had a Klaus is a pleasure to deal with.

Looks like jolida hasa passive pre as well thats in you're price range.

Music Maven · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 Nov 2004, 12:04 am »

Audio Refinement and Audio Analogue usually make good products...