Preamp advice $100-300 (longish)

chapmar · « **on:** 3 Jan 2006, 06:54 pm »

Hello,

I'm shopping around for used preamps in the $100-300 range ($300 is my absolute limit). I'll be using the preamp with my Carver tfm-15cb and Polk RT10s for strictly stereo listening (music/TV/movies). It must have a remote and at least 3 RCA inputs.

I've made a list of preamps that I am considering, and these consist of both stereo and surround preamps. This list is compiled from names I'm familiar with, reviews I've read on-line, and available items at Ebay and audiogon.

I need some advice on which of these preamps (surround or not) will perform best in stereo mode. Does the fact that a preamp has dolby pro-logic processing mean that the stereo sound is compromised? I know that some of these surround preamps have stereo/source direct setting.

I have reviewed several preamp posts on AC, and am very open to the idea of a tube preamp, but I don't know much about them. If there is a very similar post on this topic (that I didn't find in my initial searching), please direct me to it and I'll do the work.

Here's my list (please add/delete/trash at will, I'm not married to any of these):

Parasound P/SP 1000 preamp-processor (dolby pro-logic)
NAD 917 Preamp (dolby pro-logic)
Rotel RTC series (with remote...recomendations?)
Rotel RSP-960Ax (dolby pro-logic)
Carver C/CT Series with remote (not crazy about these preamp...any favorites here...or ones to avoid)
Adcom GTP 450-500 II (I've read several poor reviews of these)
B&K AVP1000
B&K AVP2000
Acurus ACT-1 (review indicate it is difficult to operate)

Thanks very much for your time,
chapmar

MaxCast · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 08:54 pm »

Do you need the pro logic for HT?

Can you solder?

chapmar · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 09:13 pm »

--Do you need the pro logic for HT?

No, I definitely don't care about the Pro Logic. I will never use it.

--Can you solder?

Yes I can, and I'm interested to hear where this is going

beatdownvictim · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 09:22 pm »

if you could stretch the budget to $330, there's the audcom AP120 tubed preamp. I had one, some asshole sold me one that was messed up as hell, but once i got it fixed, the thing was excellent. VERY excellent. 2 channel, and it has 3 inputs. it uses 2 12ax7 tubes. I liked it quite a bit when i had it.

Jon L · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 09:41 pm »

This 70 Euro preamp has caught my eye if that's the price range.
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/t-preamp_geoff_e.html

However, I strongly believe that under $300, there's really NO competition with something like EVS nude ultimate attenuators or Endler attentuators. Heck, in certain passive-friendly systems, I would compare them to any preamp at any price.

chapmar · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 09:41 pm »

Quote from: beatdownvictim

if you could stretch the budget to $330, there's the audcom AP120 tubed preamp.

I'd like to learn more about it.

Where to buy?

What functions will the remote perform?

Any pics online?

Thanks

beatdownvictim · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 09:55 pm »

www.sekei.com
has the ap120

here's a pic i found when googling

here's a page to a dude who modifies the AP120.
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb/TAD-150.html

Anyway, i had a stock unit with cheapo electro harmonics 12aU7 (interchangable) tubes. Sounded pretty damn good

Have fun

chapmar · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 10:26 pm »

Quote from: beatdownvictim

www.sekei.com
has the ap120

here's a page to a dude who modifies the AP120.
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb/TAD-150.html

Looks like they're a bit harder to find now. I just called sekei and they can't get them anymore. The TAD-150 looks nice, but way out of my price range. If anyone else out there knows where to get the AP120, please drop me a line.

Anyone out there have solid state recommendations?

MaxCast · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 11:13 pm »

Quote from: chapmar

--Do you need the pro logic for HT?

No, I definitely don't care about the Pro Logic. I will never use it.

--Can you solder?

Yes I can, and I'm interested to hear where this is going

Oops, forgot about the remote. I was going to recomend a Foreplay tubed preamp...but no remote.

I think Creek makes a passive with a remote for around 3 bones.

Is remote for volume only or do you need input select too?

konut · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 01:29 am »

I've had a Creek OBH-12 for almost 10 years and I love it. It will give you remote volume and 3 selectable inputs as well as mute. Mine was about$300 with shipping new. The only caveat is that the supplied remote sucks. The first one gave up the ghost in just under a year so I got a repacement from Music Hall, the distributor. The second one lasted a little long but eventually bit the dust as well. I now use a Harmony remote which is great as it controls all of my remote devices, TV, DVD, HDTV tuner, etc. It was very easy to set up to use with the Creek as well. Very happy with the whole shebang now!

chapmar · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 04:47 pm »

Quote from: konut

I've had a Creek OBH-12 for almost 10 years and I love it. It will give you remote volume and 3 selectable inputs as well as mute.

I really like the look of this unit, but how do I know if the sensitivity of my amplifier is high enough to be driven directly from the source?

konut · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Jan 2006, 11:39 pm »

Do you have the manuals for your source components and amp? See what the rated output of your source component is. See what the rated voltage is for full output of your amp. That will tell the story. As long as your interconnects are of reasonable length and they dont have alot of inductance, you should be fine.