2. amps-preamps
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Used Preamp on a budget advice please.

I’m currently running a top of the line Yamaha AVR as my preamp in a system consisting of a Threshold S500/II, B&W 802 S2 and B&W 801 S2 speakers, which I swap from time to time. I’m also just using a Yamaha DVD player as a CD player, but am planning to buy an older, higher end CD player as well. I also use a PC with iTunes running to an Audioengine D1 DAC. I also have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable and would need to a phono amp for the products listed below.

I’m going to add an older preamp (with remote) for 2 channel to try to extract more definition, depth, etc, and to try to warm up the sound (the plan is to add a passive, high quality RCA switch to choose between preamp and AVR). I have a limited budget of up $700 and have been doing lots of looking. It appears that for my budget and need for a remote control, older pre/pro’s may be the best approach. I’m curious if anyone has any advice, opinion, or ideas on my approach and the following preamp possibilities:

Classe SSP-300
Classe SSP-75
Classe SSP-30 MK II
Cary Cinema 6
Simaudio Moon Stargate
Parasound C2
Krell Showcase PR
Krell KAV-250P

Thanks!
dastro
gregkohanmim
153 posts
 
"Greg, do you know how I would be able to connect the AVR to the SSP-300? I'm not quite sure what inputs I would connect it to."

Dastro - I'd have to check the manual for the SSP but I think that it allows for HT type bypass as does the CP series (manual is online). - Otherwise, you'd probably need to look at the manual and connections on your Yamaha to see what's possible (you'd need preamp inputs - totally bypassing the processor/ volume, etc).

I think that the weirdest part of this potential setup that you're pursuing is the fact that you're utilizing the amps in the AVR so you really don't get to bypass it completely with a new pre/pro.

Still I'd look at your manual and see what's possible but I'll bet in the end you might end up w/ either 2 dedicated systems or at least going w/ separates.

At the end of the day, however, the older processor that are pre-HDMI are insanely cheap for a high-end 2CH setup - incorporating that into a modern AVR, however, that's a different thing altogether...

Still worth some research and experimentation IMHO.

Greg



georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
dastro

Your Threshold Threshold S500/II (great amp BTW I had one) only needs around 1.2v input to give full 250w output, so a low gain preamp would be best to have so you can have a good range of rotation on the volume control, as most sources are over >2v output.
And it has a 75kohm input impedance, which would be a great match for a passive preamp. The way I used it.

I would say being new school this maybe better and it’s new with warranty and it has remote, trial the Schiit Audio Freya (from the guy who designed Theta Audio’s best products) , as it can be a passive pre, active tube pre, or active solid state pre. So you can suit your moods. All with low gain so you’ll have plenty of range control with your volume control.
Plus it has balanced or rca input and outputs and comes with a extremely high quality 128 position relay based volume control, and it’s all remote controllable as well. For just $699 with a trial period, so you could send it back if you don’t like it.
http://schiit.com/products/freya

And they make a great phono stage as well mm/mc.
http://schiit.com/products/mani

Cheers George
dastro OP
42 posts
 

Dastro - I'd have to check the manual for the SSP but I think that it allows for HT type bypass as does the CP series (manual is online). - Otherwise, you'd probably need to look at the manual and connections on your Yamaha to see what's possible (you'd need preamp inputs - totally bypassing the processor/ volume, etc).

I think that the weirdest part of this potential setup that you're pursuing is the fact that you're utilizing the amps in the AVR so you really don't get to bypass it completely with a new pre/pro.

Still I'd look at your manual and see what's possible but I'll bet in the end you might end up w/ either 2 dedicated systems or at least going w/ separates.

At the end of the day, however, the older processor that are pre-HDMI are insanely cheap for a high-end 2CH setup - incorporating that into a modern AVR, however, that's a different thing altogether...

Still worth some research and experimentation IMHO.

Greg
Grey,  I'm not using the amps in the AVR, I have separate amps.  I'm only utilizing the Yamaha currently as a pre/pro.
Thanks,

dAvid
dastro OP
42 posts
 

Your Threshold Threshold S500/II (great amp BTW I had one) only needs around 1.2v input to give full 250w output, so a low gain preamp would be best to have so you can have a good range of rotation on the volume control, as most sources are over >2v output.
And it has a 75kohm input impedance, which would be a great match for a passive preamp. The way I used it.

I would say being new school this maybe better and it's new with warranty and it has remote.
Try the Schiit Audio Freya (from the guy who designed Theta Audio’s best products) , as it can be a passive pre, active tube pre, or active solid state pre. So you can suit your moods. All with low gain so you’ll have plenty of range control with your volume control.
Plus it has balanced or rca input and outputs and comes with a extremely high quality 128 position relay based volume control, and it’s all remote controlable as well. For just $699 with a trial period, so you could send it back if you don’t like it.
http://schiit.com/products/freya

And they make a great phono stage as well mm/mc.
http://schiit.com/products/mani

George,

Yea, I love that Threshold.  It taught me a great lesson about amps.  Before that I was using an Aragon 4004 Mk 2, which was a revelation compared to 2 ADCOM 555's bridged on my 802s.  The Threshold grips and controls the woofers and completely changed the sound.

You are the second person to recommend the Schiit Freya.  Mmmmm, I'll probably have to check one out. 

Thanks for the help.
gdnrbob
4,459 posts
 
You could also get a used McCormack Preamp.
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