2. amps-preamps
  3. 125715-1644

Are there used/mint balanced pre-amp with a few unblanced inputs under $2000??

Need recommendations for a used balanced pre-amp with approximately 3 balanced input  One for a CD player and another  for hooking up a fully balanced amp.  And, possibly, one additional balanced input  I don't need a processor HT loop, nor DAC input and output. I do need a remote, and a very good headphone feature would be great  Phone box or stage could be added. 

Unfortunately, many balanced or mixed balanced and unbalanced pre-amps or line stages offer multiple balanced inputs, and also  several RCA inputs and outputs

They usually lack remote, phone stage and headphone features.  The back of some look like a recording console and the front, a cuckoo clock.    Not for me!!.

I prefer simple and usable  features,  but outstanding sound quality. I have a BAT VK200 amp

I am NOT hopeful such a component is available. However, I have looked at the Copland CT305, Cary SLP202, and a few of the BAT pre-amps in a cursory search     Thank you  

   

sunnyjim
erik_squires
16,004 posts
 
@timlub It was a very long time ago, back when Roger Sanders still owned InnerSound, and before he began Sanders Sound.

We demoed the Coda preamp with the Electrostatic Amp, also made by Coda. They were in two different leagues I'm afraid.

I'm glad to hear they've overcome that, I was a big fan of Threshold and like to see that legacy go on.

Best,

Erik
timlub
2,039 posts
 
@erik_squires  Well that makes sense,  the ESL amps were out in 1998 and all but maybe one of the amps that Coda did for Roger have been nice....
I own a CL,  it has been in its box for over a year now,  but I plan on cracking it out again... My system had a huge stage and completely disappeared with the CL in the front.  Dynamics certainly weren't a problem.  Of course, there is always better and that doesn't make a Coda right for sunnyjim,  but I do think that they are worth a listen. Especially a CL, CP, 05X or 07X....  I can comment on any other models. 
djohnson54
396 posts
 
@sunnyjim If you haven't made a choice yet, a VK-31SE just popped up for $2,100.  Dick
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

dpjohnson54,  Thanks,  Yes I saw the ad.  Take a look at the photo of the inside??  I think the insides look somewhat yellowish and aging. However,  It does have a remote, but no phono.  .

Nevertheless, I am also considering CJ  ET3 that was  recently listed on AG,  and includes an extra set of tubes, but only a remote. However,  it  has all RCA connections. A few reviews claim the SE version sounds better. I waiting to here from CJ what those upgrades cost. Knowing CJ's tendency to inflate pricing, I am sure the upgrades will be out of my financial reach. It also has no phono. 

*****BTW, the ET3 spec sheet claims a 25 db gain. Does that mean it will be loud even at the lowest volume setting, possibly the consequence of  connecting it up to the BAT VK-200 amp, and also result in wide swings in volume using the remote control??   Thanks to all. .  

djohnson54
396 posts
 
@sunnyjim Sorry, I forgot about the requirement for phono.  The last one went so fast I wanted to alert you before this one went too.  The yellowish cast could be the result of the lighting - the photography skills of many sellers are not the best (certainly not up to Albert Porter's standards!) - but this preamp would be several years old at this point.  A quick internet search didn't reveal the gain for the VK-31SE, which should be a match for your VK-200 and could be used for comparison, so I can't comment on the ET3.  Dick
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