2. amps-preamps
  3. 1443099646

What are my preamp choices?

I can't spend more than 2k and I don't care if it's solid state or tube, although I've never owned any tube gear. My music is all digital but I do not want a built in DAC as I have a good external DAC already. One feature that would be useful is three sets of RCA outputs (one for my power amps and two for the three subwoofers in my system). A full featured remote is a must. The idea of a tube preamp sounds fascinating as long as it is hassle free. Used equipment is fine as well. I will be using this preamp to feed the power amp section of a Harman Kardon hk990 which drives a pair of Usher Dancer Mini 2 DMD loudspeakers.
danoroo
soix
8,768 posts
 
Yikes. Nice catch George. Does that strike anyone as odd? HK must really like their preamp section.
danoroo OP
239 posts
 
@Zd542

I live in Houston which is an audio wasteland as far as I can tell. There seems to be a few stores in Dallas or maybe Austin where I could audition gear.
danoroo OP
239 posts
 
@Georgelofi

According to the owner's manual, the unbalanced input labeled "processor" connects directly to the HK990's power amp section. Can't I connect a preamp there? I've never owned separates before, so is there anything else I need to be aware of such as impedance matching or gain comparability?
danoroo OP
239 posts
 
@Rlwainwright

Wow! Thanks Rlwainwright. This piece of gear looks very interesting. Fits my needs very well.
danoroo OP
239 posts
 
One review of the Emotiva XSP-1 states that this preamp should be used with power amps with an input impedance of at least 10 KOhms. I looked at all the specs on my HK 990 but saw no reference to that specific spec. How can I know that the Emotiva XSP-1 is fully compatible with my HK, if in fact it turns out that I can connect a preamp to it at all? My apologies for all these elementary questions but the realm of separates is completely new to me. Thanks for both your patience and input.
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