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Recommendations please for good, affordable pre-amp for system?

Hi All, 

I'm configuring my first system, and have so far acquired the speakers (Thiel 3.6) and amp (Bryston 4B SST). I believe I need a preamp to complete this (and I believe only a preamp, right?). And I'm hoping you can give me some leads, information, and recommendations.  It's a 2-channel setup, and while it would be nice to add some HT capability in the future, I'm seeking as pure a sound as possible.

Some things I've looked at are Theta Casablanca, Bryston 0.5B, and perhaps for future upgrades, model Rotel RSP-1582 and Marantz AVR8802 -- although I'm concerned that those latter two, while brining nice features, will work to molest the signal.

Prime listening will be CD, with some lossless Network-attached storage, and Airplay with Tidal or otherwise Internet radio.

Thanks for your recommendations!
donzi
mesch
3,479 posts
 
I can’t at the moment think of a $500 preamp that I would pair with the Bryston amp to drive the 3.6s.  Many audiophiles think the preamp to be the heart of a system, having greater influence on the sound of a system than the amplifier. 

You have purchased 2 fine components to a great system. You will need a preamp and source component to compliment for best results.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
SS amp does not require a SS preamp. In fact many folks like to couple a tube preamp with a SS amp. You just have mind the impedance mismatches. It would appear that you would be fine with a preamp with an output impedance under 1K.

That said, looking for a >$500 preamp to mate with that much more expensive amp would seem a bit strange to me. I think your only option would be to go with some passive attenuators.

Other options would include, look for a digital source with volume control to replace your current one, or look for a integrated amp to replace your Bryston amp.

I do agree with mesch, I find the preamp the heart of the system. For me, finding the right preamp can be more difficult than finding the right speakers.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,656 posts
 
Since you are on a tight budget and looking at Parasound,you should take a look at this one. It has all the features you need!   http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAZPRE2
pani
1,219 posts
 
Get a pass labs B1 buffer preamp. It will cost about $900 and will be totally worth your system. I cant think of any other preamp which can do justice to that setup within $1k
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 
donzi---What everyone is getting at here is that your Bryston amp and Thiel speakers are so good that they will make very audible the sound quality of the pre-amp you use. The problem is, it's going to be tough to find an active pre for $500 that will be good enough! If possible, hold off until you can scrape together about double that so you can get a pre that will provide a sound you'll be happy with. Having higher quality components downstream violates the first rule of system hierarchy!
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