Need a good inexpensive stereo pre!

Check out the PS Audio 6.1 pre. In passive mode ('straightwire' in PS Audio talk), the sound is detailed, clean, neutral, and balanced across the audio spectrum. I used one for years before upgrading to a Levinson 38. 6.1s can be picked up for anywhere from under $200 to $350 and up. At the under $350 price point, I don't think you can do better.

The Adcom GFP-750 is a Sterephile "Class A" recommended component, and can be purchased used for $750-850. If you want something even cheaper, primarily for use with LP's or other analog sources, the older Adcom GFP-565 is a superb buy as used equipment. I owned the GFP-565 for a number of years, and was constantly amazed at the quality of reproduction it provided with LP's. The newer GFP-750 is even better.

If you are complaining about it being to bright, try a Musical Fidelty X-Pre or the 10D which is just a tube buffer. Both will reduce bright sounds. If you already have a preamp, go for the 10-D buffer, else the X-Pre. I have the X-Pre, and it is great at $250, adding the PSU heavy duty power supply will add another $200, but will help clear up and extend the bass. I think you may find the passive preamps still too bright and maybe even to lean. I have used some passives in the past, and they let everything trhough, and sometimes will make the bass a little lean, further emphases on the brightness.

I would replace the source of the problem. And that is **Pioneer dv 414! No offence?! But, yor speakers are too good for the rest of you "gear"! And they(NHT 2.5i) will exploit, the weakness in your system, which you, obviously, can hear. My suggestion is, instead of putting "the band-aid" on the wound, cure the "illness"! For the long term satisfaction, look around for good CD,(abundance of those, for reasonable amount) or DVD player (if you are heavily into movies)and you will see the difference! ** friend of mine have dv414, and is plagued by same problem. However he's got Denon A/V integrated amp, and Monitor Audio gold 3ce, very "sweet" "liquid" gold dome tweeter! Regards!

I have a Pioneer DVD 525 which is similar to your 414. I also noticed the brightness problem right after I inserted it into my system. I cured my problem by adding the MSB LINK DAC. It's pretty much all music after that. Good luck.