Used CJ for a great preamp.Good luck!!
Used Preamp on a budget advice please.
I’m currently running a top of the line Yamaha AVR as my preamp in a system consisting of a Threshold S500/II, B&W 802 S2 and B&W 801 S2 speakers, which I swap from time to time. I’m also just using a Yamaha DVD player as a CD player, but am planning to buy an older, higher end CD player as well. I also use a PC with iTunes running to an Audioengine D1 DAC. I also have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable and would need to a phono amp for the products listed below.
I’m going to add an older preamp (with remote) for 2 channel to try to extract more definition, depth, etc, and to try to warm up the sound (the plan is to add a passive, high quality RCA switch to choose between preamp and AVR). I have a limited budget of up $700 and have been doing lots of looking. It appears that for my budget and need for a remote control, older pre/pro’s may be the best approach. I’m curious if anyone has any advice, opinion, or ideas on my approach and the following preamp possibilities:
Classe SSP-300
Classe SSP-75
Classe SSP-30 MK II
Cary Cinema 6
Simaudio Moon Stargate
Parasound C2
Krell Showcase PR
Krell KAV-250P
Thanks!
I’m going to add an older preamp (with remote) for 2 channel to try to extract more definition, depth, etc, and to try to warm up the sound (the plan is to add a passive, high quality RCA switch to choose between preamp and AVR). I have a limited budget of up $700 and have been doing lots of looking. It appears that for my budget and need for a remote control, older pre/pro’s may be the best approach. I’m curious if anyone has any advice, opinion, or ideas on my approach and the following preamp possibilities:
Classe SSP-300
Classe SSP-75
Classe SSP-30 MK II
Cary Cinema 6
Simaudio Moon Stargate
Parasound C2
Krell Showcase PR
Krell KAV-250P
Thanks!
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- 32 posts total
Dastro - Your philosophy and approach is absolutely sound. In almost every respect the very best deals on used 2ch stereo preamps on the market today might just be older extreme high-end pre/pro's that lack HDMI and modern processing formats. I think that adding an SSP-300 into your existing system might be an interesting experiment. Also, with the vast array of hookups and routing options, you should be able to forego that passive RCA switcher and run the Classe and the Yamaha together without need for another piece of equipment. Greg |
Well, the Krell KAV-250p has a "home theater passthrough" mode that can be configured on input #3. You would just take the left/right pre-outs from the Yamaha and connect them directly into input 3 on the Krell. This will save you the cost of the RCA switcher and extra RCA cable. Also, I think you'd get a bit better performance from this 2-channel preamp then you would from the multi-channel Pre/Pros you listed. http://krellonline.com/assets/support/KAV250P_V000_MAN.pdf Referenced on page 8 of the user manual. |
. Auxinput, thanks for the input. The Krell 250P interests me, but time and time again, I'm reading that the Krell sound is more forward and brighter than Classe, which is what I'm trying to avoid. I guess I can always try various pieces and sell what doesn't work for me. |
- 32 posts total