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Best Pre-amp under 2k-USED

I'm having a hard time deciding on a pre-amp. Being fairly new to this hobby, I'm not even sure if I want to go SS or tubes. I have been seriously considering: Krell KRC-3, Conrad Johnson PFR, Levinson 38, Adcom GFP-750, Classe 47.5 and 50 on the SS side and BAT VK-30, Rouge Audio 99 and Melos MA-333r on the tube side. Also included in my list are various models from Audio Research and Pass Labs. I definately want a full function remote and would like to have the flexability of HT pass through. I'd like to get a unit that is considered a "high-end" product which will also match well with a Citation 7.1 amp and an Arcam FMJ CD-23 cdp. Speakers will be my next purchase (right now I'm switching between an old pair of ADS L-710's and a pair of Wharfedale towers.
say811
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
813 posts
 
The best "used" product buys I've seen in a long time are the several BAT VK20's appearing at $1k. I've owned the VK30, VK30SE, VK5i, VK40, and the VK50SE...The VK20 @ a "used" price of $1k is an absolute steal! It's a far better performer than it's low used priced would suggest, and it has the identical user interface as the flagship VK50SE. It will provide you with outstanding performance and save you close to a grand from the price of a used VK30. I can't comment on the others you've mentioned as I've not owned them. I've also owned the Threshold T2, Coda, Pass P, Plinius M16, and obviously the sun rises and sets for me with the BAT products.

Good luck!
coltrane1
fineberg
151 posts
 
I was looking at listening to many of the pres on your list and sttled upon the Musical Fidelity A3cr. It cost $1595 new or around $1100 mint used. It is absolutely wonderful as long as you don't need balanced ins or outs. It has all the advantages of solid state without many of the drawbacks. If you like reviews, you should look at Wes Phillips and Sam Tellig's review. This is a truly special pre-amp at a very modest price.
pmwoodward
94 posts
 
Hi Say811, I currently own a melos ma-333 and find it moderately superior to my previous cj pv-7 preamp. I also don't think you can go wrong with a BAT product. I friend of mine has a gfp-750 and a pv-7 preamp and the cj wins hands down. the adcom is very clinical and detailed but, far less musical. I had also owned a pair of ads L-710's. Although this was/is a decent speaker, I think you will find FAR greater results in a speaker upgrade.

Hope this helps,
Paul
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
i picked up a joule electra la100mk2 for $1200 on this board.

while not perfect, nothing is. the joule will beat the living crap out of just about every SS pre out there.
highly rec'd
rhyno
sean
6,231 posts
 
PM, the Adcom was designed by Nelson Pass. If you read reviews of his earlier preamp designs or are familiar with them, they are all noted for being "ultra accurate" i.e. "clinical" sounding. They might be a good choice to mate with his very smooth yet detailed sounding amps, but not for something that is already on the "etched" side of neutral. As to specifics, i've been told that the GFP sounds much better in the passive mode as compared to the active mode. Sean
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