2. amps-preamps
  3. 1357313224

can I get your input on a inexpensive pre-amp

Could I please get some input on a pre-amp under 1k. I am thinking tube but maybe your experience can share differently. What I would like is a pre that very slightly deviates from neutral in 2 ways-It is slightly soft in the tweeter frequencies, adds just a hint of body(for instance on voices you recognize more of the body of the person, or on guitar you hear more of the body of the instrument). I would like it to do this with the least rounding off things so I don't lose the natural snap of sounds that give life to the music. I know neutral is somewhat subjective so use your baseline for neutrality and maybe give the context of that. Those that have experience with something like this could you share what you think. With all the pres out there I could probably be going in circles trying to check everyone's suggestions out so if this could be limited to your first hand knowledge I would really appreciated it. Thanks
marqmike
bbro
191 posts
 
You might want to take a look at a Tube Audio Design TAD- 150 Signature, which can be had used for about $800-$850. It is tube based with a pair of 12AU7 or 12AT7s, has a phonostage, 3 rca inputs, dual pre outputs, HT bypass, and remote control. It has a lot of the sonic signature you are looking for.
But you are right there are a lot of pres out there to consider.
trinhsman
88 posts
 
Emotiva has great bang for the buck products.
yahoochaz
67 posts
 
Parasound P3 is an excellent choice and just under $1K. Very happy with mine.
jackmonster
25 posts
 
I think the Manley Jumbo Shrimp is just what you may need. Snappy ,lively and neutral, but a hint of fullness,tube magic and fullness. Usually see them used between $1200-$1600. Also outstanding build quality.
mingles
799 posts
 
I see an AES DJH in the classifieds for $800 which is a good price. I owned one for several years and was extremely happy with it. It has a beautiful midrange. I had it connected to a Belles 150A. AES is a Cary design so you have someone to turn to if anything goes wrong.
More to discover