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Preamp w/ a budget of $2000

Hi All, 

I'm looking to replace my NAD preamp. It is now the weak link in my system. I would like to keep the budget to 2K or less. Requirements: Pre out or sub out, MM phono section, and a remote.

Associated equipment:
Amps: Anthem MCA 20, Red Dragon M-100 monoblocks
Sources: Bluesound node 2, TV, ProJect Debut Carbon
Speaker(s): I do a lot of switching out- Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S, Gallo 3.1 reference, MMGs, Green Mountain Audio Continuum I, DIY Nola Brio Trio Clones
Subs: Paradigm Monitor Sub 12" x2, REL T-7 x 2
Cables: Anticable IC's throughout, Anticable Speaker wire, Audio Magic Speaker cable

I am a detail freak and tend to like my sound towards the more clinical side of things. Of course imaging, soundstage depth/width, and image focus are important. I listen to a lot of Jazz and recently a fair bit of electronic as well. 

Any and all advice or direction would be appreciated. 

Best- Ben
128x128birdfan
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
For the price of 2K or less I would forget about a phono section and concentrate on getting the best sounding pre amp for your budget....you can always add a phono stage later, there are so many. The active linestage (pre amp) is critical for your system it will change the way things sound a lot! If possible I would demo at least 3 before making a choice.

 If you could find a Modwright SWL 9.0 signature edition (cant get new) preowned only,

or a Doge 8 Clarity http://www.doge.audio/products/doge-8-tube-preamplifier/doge-8-clarity-2017-edition

Also, check out the Dehavilland Ultraverve, You can call these folks and they will be happy to build one just for you!

http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/Products%20Page.htm

If you have never heard a awesome sounding TUBE preamp in your system, your missing something special, and all of these are near 2k!

Last but not least is the Manley Labs Jumbo Shrimp, you can find these for around 2k.

http://www.manley.com/products/view/mspr

All of these have low output impedance and will drive your amplifiers to new levels of audio bliss.

Im excited for you :-) good luck with your journey!

Matt M


donvito101
278 posts
 
Check out Rogue Audio!
http://www.needledoctor.com/Rogue-Audio-RP-1-Line-Phono-Preamp
nordicnorm
313 posts
 
+1 on the Doge 8 Clarity.

Although I found that they are VERY tube-sensitive. The tubes I liked best in the phono stage were (in order of preference):

1. Shuguang Custom 12AX7 LS
2. Mazda Chrome Plate 12AX7
3. Psvane 12 AX7-TII

YMMV.
erik_squires
16,229 posts
 
Parasound P7. Highly rated even if you don't do multichannel. Used, around $1k or less.
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
425 posts
 
I'm very fond of my Classe CP500. It meets your criteria. It is a very detailed preamp and is under appreciated and therefor a bargain. The phono is optional. $500.00 if not already in one you may find. I picked one up for $1200.00 without phono and added the phono section. I've compared it to other pre amps such as the Classe CP800 and the highly respected Audio Research LS27. For the hugh selling difference and the miniscule sound difference, I chose to keep the CP500 as my one and only preamp! Good luck Joe
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