Seeking opinions on best preamp under $500.00 used or new

GC · « **on:** 11 Mar 2003, 07:10 am »

I am looking for a great preamp under $500.00 used or new I would also appreciate any opinions on Dynaco preamps pas3 pat 4 or 5.

MaxCast · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Mar 2003, 02:20 pm »

Can you solder? Would you like to try a tube pre? Give some consideration to the Foreplay preamp.

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Mar 2003, 03:13 pm »

Melos SHA-1 hybrid linestage. Will be up there with $3k preamps...

grub · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Mar 2003, 05:03 pm »

I can heartily recommend the FT audio Little Wonder.

It's a buffered passive though, so you'd have to check and see if your amp and source can handle it. The Little Wonder works in a much wider range of impedances than typical passives. For example mine's been in systems lower than 10 Kohms with little or no change in sound quality.

Best product per dollar in my system.

-->grub

audioengr · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Mar 2003, 08:09 pm »

I just built the best preamp I have ever heard.

It is a silver bullet plug with a resistor voltage divider and my perfect crystal wire connecting to a Vampire solid copper jack. It is an in-line attenuator. The "Poor-Man's Passive Line-Stage" I call it. I just plug it into my amp and then interconnects straight from the DAC to the amp. This will tell you how good your preamp really is. It is really no preamp at all.

Surprisingly, I discovered that my Proceed AVP, which converts anolog to digital and back again actually colors the sound very little, but some detail is lost in the process.

Does anyone think I should sell these attenuators? I could offer several flavors with different attenuation. I find that I need two sets, one for older quieter recordings and one for new louder recordings. beats the heck out of any preamp, even a passive linestage.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Mar 2003, 10:28 pm »

ae,
what you're talking about is something similar, though more basic, than EVS Ultimate attenuators, right??
http://www.tweakaudio.com/Ultimate%20Attenuators.html

BTW, there are two attenuators pictured, plugged into each other, but actually one should be plugged in amp's left input, the other into right input.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Mar 2003, 11:00 pm »

I can't say from first hand experience, unfortunately, but the AVA Omega Star basic preamp can be purchased used directly from AVA for $495. It has a reputation as a great preamp.

JoshK · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Mar 2003, 11:07 pm »

Tonto,

I believe the difference is, Steve correct me if I am wrong, is that Steve is suggesting rather than have a volume control with a variable resistive attenuator, to find the resistor that fits your mood and hardwire it in. I.e. no adjustability at all, but if it works and it is simple it is likely better.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Mar 2003, 11:40 pm »

Quote from: JoshK

Tonto,

I believe the difference is, Steve correct me if I am wrong, is that Steve is suggesting rather than have a volume control with a variable resistive attenuator, to find the resistor that fits your mood and hardwire it in. I.e. no adjustability at all, but if it works and it is simple it is likely better.

Josh,
I think the way the EVS works is to have one resistor in the signal path whichever setting is selected. Rotating the knob makes contact with a different resistor, so I think it's like having 24 of audioengineer's preamps available at the turn of a knob.

EVS has discontinued selling the Ultimate Attenuators: don't know if demand was low, production costs high or what.

audioengr · « **Reply #9 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 12:22 am »

Quote

I think the way the EVS works is to have one resistor in the signal path whichever setting is selected. Rotating the knob makes contact with a different resistor, so I think it's like having 24 of audioengineer's preamps available at the turn of a knob.

The rotary switch is certainly more convenient. The difference is that my attenuators eliminate one set of cables (and their capacitance) and the contacts in the switch. It's about the simplest way to go short of building the attenuators into the cable itself.

Seems like when I listen, its always at two different levels and that's it, so this works fairly well for me, and the results are stunning.

ABEX · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 01:09 am »

I second the opinion of the FT Audio LW-1.One of the bene's of this unit is that it has more flexibility when matching up an amp.

Once you go Passive you'll never go back unless you have $4k+ for a SOTA unit that is.

Maybe someday soon!

Lex · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 05:09 am »

Used Classe' CP-35 with machined aluminum face and remote, should be in your price range. It's good enough to best my MC-1 in 2 channel. I know, everyone says the Lexicons aren't good at 2 channel. But I can tell you, I saw improvement going from my DC-1 to MC-1, (dramatic), and still more improvement going to the Classe' CP-35. (less dramatic). Good value and well built.

Lex

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 11:55 am »

ae,
aren't number of cables the same?? The EVS plugs right into the amp inputs, and an IC goes from source to input of EVS. This means the volume control knobs are BEHIND the amp---not the most convenient arrangement for someone who wants to adjust vol. much but certainly workable.

Judging from statements on EVS website, I'd guess Ric Schultz agrees with your "Simple is Better" approach but gave the attenuators adjustability as a concession to convenience (and the marketplace).

Thanks for your input though--it's been interesting.

Thump553 · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 04:23 pm »

I'm also looking for suggestions in the same price range. A remote (volume control only is ok) is very desirable to me. Building a new system from ground up, am in the category of "learning newbie" at this point.

I listen mostly to folk and rock from CD. Lots of my music is of less than ideal recording quality-ie, traded concerts, so I need forgiving equipment.

ABEX · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 04:32 pm »

You will not find a better preamp for under $500 than the FT Audio LW-1 .Paul has stated that there will be an add-on remote soon.

It has not been tested against Placette's that I know of,but you can order it with a DACT pot if you wish.

It's not until you get to the $1500 level that you wil find better performance I think.

It truely is neutral so if you have a bad recording that's what you'll get out.

Creek does not make a bad unit either.Atleast it's better than Channel Is. of what I hear.

Happy hunting!

duff138 · « **Reply #15 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 05:37 pm »

The CIAudio pre-amp $249 looks very interesting and has received great review. The monolithic sound passive/active is another choice to consider.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #16 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 08:26 pm »

Quote from: Thump553

I'm also looking for suggestions in the same price range. A remote (volume control only is ok) is very desirable to me. Building a new system from ground up, am in the category of "learning newbie" at this point.

I listen mostly to folk and rock from CD. Lots of my music is of less than ideal recording quality-ie, traded concerts, so I need forgiving equipment.

Sorry that I don't have any specific recommendations, but I just wanted to add how MUCH I like the remote on my pre-amp. This is the first high-end pre-amp I've had that included remote, but I don't think I could part with it. I now firmly believe that there's a "right" volume for different recordings where everything locks into place and that can only be decided when I'm in the listening position.

ABEX · « **Reply #17 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 08:27 pm »

DUFF
Make certain that it's a good match for your system.You have to take your amp spec's into consideration.There are gain issues.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #18 on:** 12 Mar 2003, 08:44 pm »

In the trading post, there's a pair of B&W 801's for sale. A Superphon Revelation has been thrown in to sweeten the deal, but maybe you could buy just the pre???? Should be well under $500.