Please recommend preamp

I took a look at the specific listing you referred to for the CA-7A. It’s possible that it would work out ok but I wouldn’t recommend it.

First, the CA-7A dates back to around 1986, which raises concern about condition-related issues surfacing eventually if not sooner. I’d also be concerned about the possibility of condition-related issues because in this particular case I’d have less than complete confidence in how thoroughly it might have been tested and checked out, given that the seller appears to be a high volume business not necessarily specializing in audio equipment.

Also, the 1K output impedance of the unit, while perhaps marginally ok, exceeds the 600 ohm max recommendation that is stated in the manual for your amp. And it can be calculated from the specifications that are provided that its gain is probably too high to be optimal for use with your amp and speakers. Finally, it doesn’t provide balanced outputs, so you would have to connect it to your amp using adapters or adapter cables (although in itself that would be a relatively minor downside).

Regards,
-- Al

OK I'll keep looking. Thanks for your help.

I've not dragged one home but at a local store I've listened to the Parasound P5 on an A23 amp on Magnepan 1.7 and it's a nice combination. The P5 is in your budget. ModWright SWL 9.0 would be something to look at but you'd need to pick up a phono preamp such as a Pro Ject unit to get you started and you could move up later to a better phono preamp down the road. Owned MW SWL 9.0 and its a great piece. I'd look at the Parasound.

Makem, if we bought amps just by specs, all of us would buy QSC amps.  However, these were designed for commercial use, not home use.  They are totally abusable and never fail.  I would bet that if you put these side by side with many 100 wpc home amps you would notice a huge difference.  No matter what preamp you buy, you will be limited by the QSC.  I've owned clubs and always used QSC.  I did learn the hard way after melting NAD and Niles gear.  Go compare your amp to a home amp before spending a dime on an expensive preamp.

elevick, I did buy the QSC from a professional sound guy. Are you suggesting I simply get a different amp so I'll have more choices for the preamp? I had looked at the NAD C165BEE on this site...my QSC amp would "melt" it?

Thanks for your help.