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Preamp for Upgraded McCormack DNA-225

My stock DNA-225 is scheduled for Steve McCormack's "Platinum" upgrades. This will provide me with balanced (and unbalanced) inputs. What would anyone with experience recommend with respect to a tube preamp with balanced ins and outs for roughly $4K retail. Remote is not necessary. Thanks in advance.
4yanx
winoguy17
1,180 posts
 
Cant help you out with the pre amp, but would love to hear what you think of the upgraded 225,as I have the stock unit. Good luck
labtec
189 posts
 
For balanced, find a used ARC LS-5 and consider yourself very lucky and done.

I've seen Steve Huntley at GNSC sometimes have one for sale, and he would be a good one to talk with if you need more info.

Frankly though, I would make sure you weren't going to eventually go multi-channel or at least need a remote. In which case, you may want to find a unit with a HT-bypass. Actually, the McCormack RLD or MAP could be had and probably modded too by Steve for under your budget.

We're not quite there yet, but buying a 2 channel preamp is almost as dead as investing in a pricey redbook-only CDP.
4yanx OP
1,576 posts
 
Labtec, they will drag me out of my stereo room before a multi-channel unit finds its way in there. In the big screen room, OK, but not in my sanctuary! :-)

How do you think the ARC you mention compares with somethign like a BAT VK30SE?

I was under the impression that the RLD was unbalanced only, with or without mods. Am I wrong?
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