Best preamp for under $500 new or used?

Captain Humble · « **Reply #20 on:** 26 Jan 2006, 08:34 pm »

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It looks as though this listing was nearly a year ago, with uncertain result. Good luck, though!

Sorry, I didn't notice the date. I assumed it was a new listing.

goosala · « **Reply #21 on:** 27 Jan 2006, 03:13 am »

Well, gotmikey has not responded so I do not know if it is sold or not.

avta · « **Reply #22 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 03:58 pm »

Got my Norh ACA 2b two days ago. I'm using the stock Sovtek tubes. My system is a Squeezebox2 ( not modded ), a Pass Aleph3 amp and Magnepan 1.6's. I'm using DH labs IC's and speaker connects. Right off the bat the sound is more open and natural as compared to my other ss integrated. ( CODA Unison 3 Ultra 125 w/ch ). The Pass is a pure class A amp which with the Maggies will deliver 60 w/ch. I'll have to listen more and with a greater variety of music to get a better sense of things but so far I'm impressed. I'm also waiting for some Amperex tubes which will be fun to try. I'll keep you posted.

Guy

steve k · « **Reply #23 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 05:12 pm »

I have to agree with Avta's comments. I've run my Norh ACA 2B in for a little over a week now and I think this puppy will be tough to beat for $399.95 delivered in 2 days from Thailand. It's handsome, built like a tank and is a very engaging preamp. I've found it to be very dynamic with excellent inner detail and fully extended on top and bottom.

The more this thing burns in, the more I hear deep, controlled bass and subtle details in my favorite recordings that weren't there before. It's by far the best preamp I've used in my Magnepan/VTL system and I've used some really nice preamps loaned from friends. The Norh is one of those best-kept secrets that needs more exposure.

Mine came with EH tubes which aren't bad but not quite up to the finesse of my Amperex PQ gold-pins. I've since moved the EH's to my phono pre.
steve k

awm · « **Reply #24 on:** 4 Feb 2006, 06:03 pm »

I've compared this to others and would not exchange my Grid for anything, based purely on quality of audio reproduction, except for a Grid with a remote (!). Fantastic pre. It seems to combine the best of both tube sound ("smoothness without glare) and SS (detail and clear bass). Wonderful, 3D, spacious sound, with terrific imaging. The only other pre I've heard that I like almost as much was my friend's Bent TX102. I think it costs more than your limit, but forget what it's cost is.

Good luck,
Andy

Bob Reynolds · « **Reply #25 on:** 5 Feb 2006, 05:51 am »

Based on your system description, do you really need source selection? Do you need remote volume control?

You might consider NHT's Passive Volume Control -- $99 from http://www.listenup.com/

You might find something at DECWARE -- http://www.decware.com/

You could also consider Creek's OBH-22 -- http://www.audioadvisor.com/

-- Bob