2. amps-preamps
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Please recommend preamp

I'm new at this but am trying to put together a nice system primarily for a large vinyl collection that can also play CDs and probably either a tuner or cassette player. I will have speakers in two rooms, neither very large. I started with the JBL 4312 speakers from my youth for the bedroom and then bought JBL L150As for the living room for $950.  I just got a QSC RMX2450 amp in excellent condition for $300. I think my next step is a pre-amp. What would be a good bet for around $1000?  I'm hoping to get it right the first time rather than test-drive and buy and sell; really, I just want to listen to my records.
takeum0ut
mesch
3,466 posts
 
I am with Al regarding the purchase of the older equipment. I do like to buy used, however not vintage (with rare exceptions).  I have a NAD 526BEE and think it a great integrated for the price. It lacks a phono stage. I have not viewed the add for the  375BEE so don’t know asking price. Do know that it is just one series earlier than the 5x6 series so is not that old and has more power so can drive a wider range of speakers. 
It seems that should you sell the QSC and had a budget for a pre of $1000 you have a budget of ~$1200 for a integrated and phonostage. Is this your thinking?  

elevick
2,636 posts
 
Al, I couldn't have said it better.  I have owned some HUGE clubs and have cooked more than one piece.  The worst casualty was melting some Niles gear after running too much wattage for too long of a time.  Our original QSC amps never failed us in 10+ years. But, when used at home, they sounded awful when compared to many home audio amps.

The L150 is fairly efficient and doesn't need a lot of power.  Because you need to run 2 pairs of speakers, some of the vintage receivers from Marantz, Nakamichi and others may make sense.  They have great built in tuners as well.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,641 posts
 
Check this out! My friend owns one and it is damn nice!
www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-rogue-audio-metis-magnum-stereo-preamp-silver-2016-01-09-preamplifier...
shawnlh's avatar
shawnlh
37 posts
 
Fwiw, I am EXTREMELY pleased with the Decware CSP3.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
shawnlh, do you have any idea what tubes the CSP3  likes ?
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