[LambMN]

Hello!

I am starting to look for a 2 channel pre-amp for my 2 channel system. I need it to not be much more than $600 or $700 new or used. So far my list is the Rotel RC-1070 or the NAD C162. I think I like the sound of the NAD a bit better, but I have not been able to do a direct comparison.

I would really like it to have a phono input for at least MM, if not MC.  I would like it to have at least 3 line inputs plus a phono.  Tube or SS does not matter, I am open to either.  Anyone have any suggestions?

Amp is a Belles 150A Hotrod, speakers are a pair of Totem Acoustic Ranimakers if it matters.

Thanks much!

[elcaptain88]

In that general price range Audio by Van Alstine's Omegastar preamp would be a great choice. Check out avahifi.com or Van Alstine's circle right here at AC. I have the Ultra SL preamp and its comparable to the best high cost ones out there. They may not look fancy but they sound great.

[LambMN]

I will definitly check them out.

Especially since they are about 15min from my house!

Thanks!

Any more suggestions anyone?

[mfsoa]

Would you be interested in an older (maybe 13-ish years) Forte Model 40? Forte was the budget line that Threshold came out with.
It has a phono input that I use for MM - Can't say how flexible for MC, I just don't recall. Separate power supply.
It has 6 inputs, including the phono.
Unit works well, I'm in the process of replacing it.
Don't have a price in mind but I think it'll be less than half of your lower range.
If you want more info, PM me and I can check current Orion blue-book price. I think it was around $1100 new, but that was a while ago! (original owner/no original box or manual)
I barely want to sell it at its current value, but since you asked maybe its written in the stars that this should be.

[LambMN]

I might be.  I have to say I know nothing about that preamp, or Forte at all for that matter.  But I will look into it and see what I can find.  But maybe you are right, perhaps it is in the stars....

[Bob Reynolds]

You might consider the Parasound Halo P3 or the Marsh Sound Design P2000. Doesn't Belles make a preamp that should mate well with your amp?

[LambMN]

Yes, Belles does make the Soloist preamp, but it is a little more than I wanted to spend (though not much it is true) and it is hard to find used.  It also does not have a phono input which I would very much like to have.

I will check out the other two you mentioned.

Thanks!

[avahifi]

Hi LambMN, give me a call at 651-330-9871 if you want to listen to some of our equipment here.  I have a pretty decent sound room and usually have a variety of our equipment available to demo.  I enjoy the visits, but make sure to call first to insure we can accomodate you.

Frank Van Alstine

[kfr01]

I've been pretty happy with the Parasound P-3:

http://www.parasound.com/halonew/P3front.php

They can be had for ~$450 on the used market.

Balanced inputs and outputs (although not fully balanced throughout), tone defeat, high waf.  Not the best audiophile "rep" wise, but it fits the description of "budget 2-channel pre-amp" and has been a solid performer for me. 

Having said that, you might be able to find this ADCOM passive/active hybrid with ht-bypass for $750 on agon:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=ADCGFP750&product_name=GFP-750%20Preamplifier

If so, I'd seriously consider it.  Good luck.

[PaulHilgeman]

I built a custom version of this:

http://www.welbornelabs.com/zephyr.htm

I simply needed balanced throughout, so I did it myself.  Assembled, the above is $550.

I went from a Parasound Halo P3, and it was unreal.  It is completely passive and is as minimal as it gets, one series resistor, one parallel resistor, thats it.

I've listened to a lot of preamps, and this does it for me.  It might be lacking in features, but it is one of the best preamps that I have ever heard. 

Remember, the preamp shouldn't do anything to the sound.  Let your speakers and source define the sound.  The amps *shouldnt* do anything either, but they do .

-Paul Hilgeman

[Bob Reynolds]

Yes, Belles does make the Soloist preamp, but it is a little more than I wanted to spend (though not much it is true) and it is hard to find used.  It also does not have a phono input which I would very much like to have.

I will check out the other two you mentioned.

Thanks!

Sorry, but I misunderstood your requirements. The Marsh does not have a phono input (never realized the P3 did until just now). Using a separate phono preamp would give you more choices and maybe better sound.  Just a thought.

++++

In today's Audio Advisor email, a demo Marsh P2000 is $711.45 with free shipping; use this coupon code: CN62810P.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=DMMARSHP2000&loc=3

Here's a nice review from The Absolute Sound
http://www.avguide.com/product?id=2228

[JLM]

Wow!  Get over to Frank's!!!

Anytime you can talk with a manufacturer (and developer) do it!  And to do it at his place?  Un-real!

Frank will have tons of experience and opinions to go with it.  You may not agree with everything he says, but you can learn so much from a guy like him.

[WEEZ]

I have to echo JLM's post. Before you buy anything, go see Frank. Great gear at really fair prices. An Omegastar w/ phono might be a tick over your budget..but likely well worth it.

Another option is Mapletree here at AC. But less inputs than AVA...have a look at both.

WEEZ

[kfr01]

Well, shit.  Now you have me itching to hear one and potentially upgrade, Paul.  .

[avahifi]

Note that I do have some used AVA equipment that is lower priced.

 frank

[LambMN]

Yeah, wow.  Thanks Frank I will definitly give you a call and try to get over to see you.  I have a friend who is looking for a tube pre amp and I will try to bring him as well!

Thanks to everyone else for their great suggestions too!  This was my first question on AudioCircle and the amout of usefull information I recieved here was much greater than ther forums where I asked the same question.  Thanks a bunch!

[eric the red]

Yeah, wow.  Thanks Frank I will definitly give you a call and try to get over to see you.  I have a friend who is looking for a tube pre amp and I will try to bring him as well!

Thanks to everyone else for their great suggestions too!  This was my first question on AudioCircle and the amout of usefull information I recieved here was much greater than ther forums where I asked the same question.  Thanks a bunch!

Plus AC audio nerds are way cooler than the audio geeks on those other forums