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Preamp for Halo A21 and/or B&K ST2140

I have been stalking the boards for some time lusting over a new preamp. My price keeps dropping as reality sets in. I started at $2,500 and am now down to $1,200. I have been looking close at the CJs, primarily PV-14L. I love the looks of the ET2 but it’s slightly above my $range. Are there any other preamps under $1,200 that anyone would recommend over the PV-14L? I see some names I hear a lot about, like Simaudio Moon (P3), Classe (CP-50/CP-60), Quicksilver, and Bel Canto.

I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly classic rock, alt country, folk rock, blues, old school country, some jazz and occasionally classical.  

I have two main requirements:
  • I need a remote since it will be attached to a TV 
  • I need RCA outputs so I can hook up my sub
I haven’t decided if this will grace my main rig or basement rig. In my main system I would put it between my Cambridge 851N and then use the 851N as a DAC instead of a DAC/pre combo. In the basement it would replace a Rotel RC-980BX. My amps are either Parasound Halo A21 or B&K ST2140. Both have an input impedance of 33 Kohms.

I haven’t got full authority to make a purchase yet but I need to be ready when I do :)
treebeard1
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,339 posts
 
There is a Rogue RP5 tube preamp with 4 line and 1mm/mc inputs for sale here in the classifieds..  It also has a processor loop and 2 sets of outputs, all rca.  This is a 3500 piece with remote and TMR Audio has it for under 2500.  I own one and it is the best pre I have had.  It replaced a more expensive pre in my system and its a keeper.
treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
@timlub 
I think the 851N is a decent pre and excellent DAC. I just think as a pre it's missing some warmth and sounstaging.  That is were the A21 is connected so plan #1 is to mate the new pre with the A21.  The B&K is my 2nd system and I think replacing the pre in system 2 will yield the biggest gain.  I'm kinda emotionally connected to the B&K because I have had it so long.  It's a pretty good amp in a solid mid-fi system.

@stereo5 
The Rogue is out of my price range.  I saw a Rogue 99 Super Magnum on US Audio Mart but still a little out of my range.  

Also, I forgot to mention but I don't need a phono stage. I will be selling my Rega P3-24.
mesch
3,463 posts
 
For trying a preamp to replace the volume within the pre/DAC I would go with a tube pre. Quicksilver make one in your budget. I own a Jolida Fusion which retails at $1350. Very nice unit and has the features you want.
treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
There were two PV- 14Ls on Agon last night for $800 & $1000 and gone this morning. Damn.

Any A21 owners out there using a pre you love in this price range?
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 
I used a Cary Cinema 12 processor with an A21.. The sound was excellent and the processor provided great flexibility for things like speaker and bass management.  A C12 might be found used in the before-reality-set-in price range, but a used Cinema 11a with a single HDMI input might be in your reality budget range.  Finally, an Oppo 105 direct to the A 21 is well within your reality budget, and can provide excellent sound and do almost everything including speaker and bass management.
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