Preamp with XLR input under 1k?


Hello all,

I have ProAc D18, Hegel HD 25 with SOtM dX-USB HD and Quad QSP.

I would like to add a preamp to my system.

I don't care if it's used or brand new?

What should i look for?

Cheers
mahlerian
I posted a similar query a couple of years ago and a Kavent dealer popped out of the woodwork...perhaps the last Kavent dealer anywhere, and sold me a fabulous new balanced S-33 preamp for what I thought was a bargain price...and promptly went out of business. Damn fine preamp though...maybe this thread will cause 'em to pop up again! Before the Kavent appeared I did have an Adcom GFP 750 on my short list and it's worth noting they are (switchable) active OR passive...not unlike myself.
If you can find it the Vincent SA-93 is the preamp that the Kavent S-33 is based off of. They look very similar. I also own the Kavent S-33 and I really enjoy it with either a solid state or tube amp. I've got it paired now with a Jolida JD-502P and really like the pairing. The S-33/SA 93 also has a gain select button which I find rather useful. If a recording is too hot I can take it down a notch with the gain adjustment feature.
Yeah...as Jedinite24 knows it says "SA-93" on one of the S-33 circuit boards, and as far as I can tell it is EXACTLY the same preamp (dual mono balanced with an isolated double transformer power supply on the same chassis), which means if mine breaks I can (hopefully) send it to a Vincent repair shop. I have no idea why Kavent and Vincent were the same things with different cosmetics...some marketing issue maybe, but still a little weird.
Thank you all for help

So what pre will be best with my system?

options:

Vincent SA-93
Bel Canto pre3
Primare P30
Muse Model 3 Signature
Audio Research LS9
Emotiva XSP-1
BAT VK3i (let's say i can find it under 1k)
Adcom GFP-750
Wyred mPre
Parasound P5
Hegel P20 (i may get it)