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Cheap Old Preamps

I'm helping a friend look for a cheap (under 100$) old (tubed would be great but not necessary) preamp, and was wondering if you all had some ideas for what to look for (probably on eBay). I've been tracking some Dynacos, but the tube ones tend to exceed our budget. Are the SS daynaco preamps just sucky? His sources include an AR/XA TT and a really old Cambridge CDP. Amplification is a 40 wpc (I think) SS McIntosh amp (model unknown). Thanks.
shersta
twl
3,251 posts
 
Hafler DH-101 or DH-110 are decent old preamps that could be had for under $100. The DH-101 had some problems with the push-button function switches, so you would have to check them before buying.
pug
34 posts
 
Try looking into the older NAD preamps as well, most have pretty good phono stages with even switchable MM/MC capability, and can be bought quite reasonably used.
timo's avatar
timo
610 posts
 
And don't overlook the Apt Holman preamp.
infinitebaffle
51 posts
 
The cream of the crop in this price range is the NAD 1020. Also look for the NAD 1155. You won't find a Linn for $100. The Apt/Holman is a truly excellent preamp but you would be lucky to get one for $100. More likely $150. They show up on ebay all the time. Avoid the solid state Dynaco PAT-4 and PAT-5 at all costs. Truly awful!
blkadr
739 posts
 
An old NAD 3020, use only the preamp section. Sounded better than the old NAD preamps and the Hafler as I recall. (Just my opinion) It also has a decent phono.
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