Pre Amp for $400 ??


Can I buy a good sounding pre-amp for $400?  I have Maggies driven by a Sunfire amp.


randy-11
Yes It's McCormack Micro Line Drive. Hunt on ebay to find it.
Also earlier Classe preamps such as CP-60 or CP-30 can be beneficial with XLR outputs.
I'd make sure I service Classe preamps with new caps before using.

You will have a tough time finding a CP-60 for $400, even without phono. A CP-30 will be closer to the ballpark. Both of them are nice smooth transparent preamps.

Be careful not to have any caps changed prematurely. I have much older gear that was not ready for cap freshening, they checked out fine. As long as quality parts were used. Its a good idea to have a check-up from time to time. But be careful choosing a tech. Classe was never one cut to corners in my opinion. 

The McCormacks are great values.Possibly a Sumo or NAD. Carver preamps can be purchased in your price range. I have never owned one and cannot comment on performance. Chances are one might have nice synergy with the Sunfire.