Fully balanced Pre-amp with remote volume and balance control?

AvsFan · « **on:** 8 Jul 2021, 08:54 pm »

In search of a fully balanced pre-amp with remote volume and balance control.

Seems like an easy task but man I am having a hard time with this. I've only found Bel Canto and Parasound.

shadowlight · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 08:58 pm »

Hattor has both passive and pre with gain - you have opamp or tube for the gain.

charmerci · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 09:23 pm »

AVA DVA digital preamp. Call avahifi for availability. (They are made to order.)

nc42acc · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 09:26 pm »

I have the Hattor pre with the op amp gain section. Very neutral revealing preamp, adjustable gain too You can configure with all XLR or a mix with RCA. Also there is the balanced offerings from Kinki and Denafrips. Gustard has an op amp based pre but only two inputs, also has the op amps in sockets so you can roll your own. Just some considerations.

Quote from: shadowlight on 8 Jul 2021, 08:58 pm

Hattor has both passive and pre with gain - you have opamp or tube for the gain.

AndrewA · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 09:39 pm »

How about Backert?

Peter J · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 09:54 pm »

I've been running a Cary SLP-03 tube pre for some time. Volume controlled outputs to both RCA and XLR simultaneously, which is nice for running mono Aegirs and sub amps for X-Oticas. Out of production but can be found used. SLP-09 big brother is still in production but more $$.

I had to look but does have balance function on remote.

RPM123 · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 09:56 pm »

You didn't provide a budget, however just off the top of my head; Pass Labs, Luxman, BAT, Boulder and Accuphase.

WGH · « **Reply #7 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 10:08 pm »

If you like your current preamp then the new AVA RCA to XLR converter is an option.

5/5/21
Stereo RCA to XLR unit is in final testing here right now.

Will be about 30 days to have chassis designed and produced.

It will take about the same time to have final PC card produced and populated.

We are putting a lot into this to make sure it is really transparent.

Frank

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158752.msg1856859#msg1856859

nc42acc · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 10:11 pm »

You asked the most important question of all.

Quote from: RPM123 on 8 Jul 2021, 09:56 pm

You didn't provide a budget, however just off the top of my head; Pass Labs, Luxman, BAT, Boulder and Accuphase.

dwmaggie · « **Reply #9 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 10:20 pm »

You might consider a Meridian G02. Balanced and RCA pre out. 2 Balanced inputs, 4 RCA inputs. Elaborate and simple remote control.

owlsalum1 · « **Reply #10 on:** 8 Jul 2021, 11:32 pm »

The Pass Labs XP-12 has all those features, including balance which can be controlled with the remote. I owned and sold its' predecessor, the XP-10. I regret selling it to this day. Oh I should add Pass's build quality is 2nd to none. World class. At a not outrageous price.

avahifi · « **Reply #11 on:** 9 Jul 2021, 12:11 am »

There is a link to our brand new Digital Preamplifier at the top of our home page. Avahifi.com

I just got the first production model running in my reference system. It is even better then I hoped.

timind · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 Jul 2021, 01:39 am »

Benchmark LA4 has what you're looking for. https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-la4-line-amplifier?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxJqHBhC4ARIsAChq4av-a2Y4fjPGp8ztDMO0HqLnfM5tfmYNOrjewIJ1plbzQgdnQIjwZq4aAu8MEALw_wcB

I'm getting ready to order one, just need to do it.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 Jul 2021, 02:40 am »

Look for a used BAT 42se preamp. It is balanced and has a balance adjustment. It is SS.

I believe Pass Labs preamps have a balance control.

The above are fully balanced and have a volume control.

RDavidson · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Jul 2021, 04:44 am »

PS Audio has this functionality, even the Gain Cell DAC/ preamp has this, if you want a lower cost option that sounds quite good.

richidoo · « **Reply #15 on:** 9 Jul 2021, 12:53 pm »

Anthem STR Preamplifier

Fully balanced, remote volume and balance, and a lot more.
I'm very happy with mine.

dpatters · « **Reply #16 on:** 9 Jul 2021, 01:13 pm »

Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE.

Don P.

glynnw · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 Jul 2021, 04:06 pm »

Tortuga -

twitch54 · « **Reply #18 on:** 9 Jul 2021, 05:54 pm »

take your pick ..........

https://www.balanced.com/preamplifiers

kernelbob · « **Reply #19 on:** 9 Jul 2021, 06:45 pm »

Quote from: AvsFan on 8 Jul 2021, 08:54 pm

In search of a fully balanced pre-amp with remote volume and balance control.

Seems like an easy task but man I am having a hard time with this. I've only found Bel Canto and Parasound.

Give Tortuga Audio a look. I use a fully balanced passive unit. A key feature is that there are no physical switches, potentiometers, relays, etc. in the signal path. Its remote control handles input switching, volume, balance, and absolute phase (optional). The remote also lets you adjust the input impedance from 1 to 99 kohms (per phase in the balanced version). This is a great feature that allows you to "voice" the sound of a source from your listening position. I've found this to be very useful running my balanced Lampizator Pacific DAC. Even a 1 kohm change in the Tortuga's input impedance is audible. I also use that feature to fine tune the sound of different recordings. The preamps are also very reasonably priced. Here's a link to the newest LDR3000x.V3 series. It can be configured as a passive or active unit. For active configurations, you can specify either solid state or tube.

https://tortugaaudio.com/products/active-preamps/ldr3000x-v3-high-performance-preamp/