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Preamp for Halo A21 and/or B&K ST2140

I have been stalking the boards for some time lusting over a new preamp. My price keeps dropping as reality sets in. I started at $2,500 and am now down to $1,200. I have been looking close at the CJs, primarily PV-14L. I love the looks of the ET2 but it’s slightly above my $range. Are there any other preamps under $1,200 that anyone would recommend over the PV-14L? I see some names I hear a lot about, like Simaudio Moon (P3), Classe (CP-50/CP-60), Quicksilver, and Bel Canto.

I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly classic rock, alt country, folk rock, blues, old school country, some jazz and occasionally classical.  

I have two main requirements:
  • I need a remote since it will be attached to a TV 
  • I need RCA outputs so I can hook up my sub
I haven’t decided if this will grace my main rig or basement rig. In my main system I would put it between my Cambridge 851N and then use the 851N as a DAC instead of a DAC/pre combo. In the basement it would replace a Rotel RC-980BX. My amps are either Parasound Halo A21 or B&K ST2140. Both have an input impedance of 33 Kohms.

I haven’t got full authority to make a purchase yet but I need to be ready when I do :)
treebeard1
timlub
2,040 posts
 
The Cambridge as a Dac/Pre combo will do a good job for you, I think that you'll be surprised at how much better the soundstage is over your Rotel... The amps are a different story... No for me,  I find it a no brainer, The Parasound will be faster and more detailed,  I owned a B&K Reference EX4420 for a short time.  I had a Coda a Sumo Nine and a DIY Abletec Class D amp on hand... It just didn't stand up to any of the 3... To be fair, I haven't sat in front of your model of Parasound, but I've sat in front of my share, way back when being a dealer as well as other models of B&K... The B&K are well respected and I don't want to put anyone down that likes them,  but for me, I just said, "I don't get it" and sold it quickly.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,405 posts
 
There is a Rogue RP5 tube preamp with 4 line and 1mm/mc inputs for sale here in the classifieds..  It also has a processor loop and 2 sets of outputs, all rca.  This is a 3500 piece with remote and TMR Audio has it for under 2500.  I own one and it is the best pre I have had.  It replaced a more expensive pre in my system and its a keeper.
treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
@timlub 
I think the 851N is a decent pre and excellent DAC. I just think as a pre it's missing some warmth and sounstaging.  That is were the A21 is connected so plan #1 is to mate the new pre with the A21.  The B&K is my 2nd system and I think replacing the pre in system 2 will yield the biggest gain.  I'm kinda emotionally connected to the B&K because I have had it so long.  It's a pretty good amp in a solid mid-fi system.

@stereo5 
The Rogue is out of my price range.  I saw a Rogue 99 Super Magnum on US Audio Mart but still a little out of my range.  

Also, I forgot to mention but I don't need a phono stage. I will be selling my Rega P3-24.
mesch
3,506 posts
 
For trying a preamp to replace the volume within the pre/DAC I would go with a tube pre. Quicksilver make one in your budget. I own a Jolida Fusion which retails at $1350. Very nice unit and has the features you want.
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