2. amps-preamps
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Pre-amp to combo with Mccormack DNA 0.5

Just bought the Mccormack DNA 0.5, after ALOT of research. Thank you all who helped me choose.
Anyway, my second step on the upgrade now will be to buy a pre-amplifier. I have some cheap options available, but I want something that will make me satisfied for years to come, so research, again is necessary.

My "easy" options are:

Mccormack TLC-1 ($500) - Same brand, some say it'd be a good match, some say it's passive and has got no personality. I heard it myself and liked it, but no pre-outs, meaning I'd not be able to plug my Rel Strata II subwoofer in it. No remote either.

Carver C-4000 ($200) - Legendary choice, don't know much about it, except it's a classic.

QED Vector Reference ($600) - Another passive unit, at least this one gives me a remote.

Basically I need something that will make my sound better, or at least not change it. And then some pre-outs would be good, Remote is a plus only. Price tag can't surpass $900, and territorial limitations should be respected, as I live in Brazil and cannot get certain brands.

Any of you has a suggestion?
jmabe
moonrat
6 posts
 
You just got your self a nice amp so why cheap out now on a preamp especially if you want to be satisfied for years to come as you mentioned? I have the Mccormack DNA .5 Deluxe and did the preamp search thing several years ago. After trying the passive route first I found the Mccormack matchs up well with a tubed preamp and run mine through a CJ- PV 12 AL which is a sweet combination. I've never felt the urge to upgrade either component (unlike most other audio gear I've purchased in the past) and I've had this set up for 6 years now which tells me I must have done something right finally in my system.
labtec
189 posts
 
You should be able to get a TLC-1 for less than $500. Passives are not for everyone though. While passives are tempting to those on a tight budget, generally it's a bigger crap shoot. Definitely try both actives and passives with the rest of your system before you buy.

Frankly, for your max budget of $900, I'd see if you could get a good deal on a used McCormack RLD-1 or Rogue preamp. (I think they both have a second set of outputs for your sub and also a remote.) At their price points, you are very well set.

Also, I know Steve McCormack is now modding the RLD-1 and, of course, your DNA.5, so you'd have alot of versatility in the future as your budget and needs allows.
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,773 posts
 
I've got a DNA 0.5 Deluxe and use it with a TLC-1 with great results. The TLC has two outputs, one passive and one buffered. I connect the passive outputs to the 0.5 and the buffered to an HSU sub. Sounds wonderful. You should be able to find a used TLC-1 for $350-400.
jmabe OP
34 posts
 
Moonrat: I wish I could find a good deal on a CJ here, in Brazil there are no representatives for this brand... I'll try to get my best though

Labtec: I'm considering a passive unit, I think that to get a good Active unit I'd have to cash out $1000+. Especially considering the abusive prices in my country...

Sfar: The salesguy told me I WOULD NOT BE ABLE to use the buffered and passive outs SIMULTANEOUSLY. That's one of the things that put me off the TLC-1, as I wish to use a sub. Now, you're telling me that you DO use both at the same time. I sincerely enjoyed the TLC-1+DNA 0.5 combo, and now I enjoy it even more. Can you confirm this information?

Many regards to all...
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