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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
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 
I used a Cary Cinema 12 processor with an A21.. The sound was excellent and the processor provided great flexibility for things like speaker and bass management.  A C12 might be found used in the before-reality-set-in price range, but a used Cinema 11a with a single HDMI input might be in your reality budget range.  Finally, an Oppo 105 direct to the A 21 is well within your reality budget, and can provide excellent sound and do almost everything including speaker and bass management.
treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
I give up. Just can't afford to maintain two systems. I purchased a Halo integrated and moved the 851N / A21 combo to the basement. I think the integrated sounds better. The wife is happy too. So my upgrade sequence now changes to a sub for the basement and ripping my CDS that aren't in Tidal to FLAC. I'll be selling the Rega P3-24, ST2140 and RC-980BX to raise funds. Thanks everyone. It does feel good to have one system complete so I can concentrate on making the other system shine. 
hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
192 posts
 
I've been using a21 with CJ pv15 in my back up system, and they sound good together. I mean really good.
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,369 posts
 
I am not suggesting a preamp.
But wanted to let you know that you need to choose one which has a XLR out to the A21. The Parasound A21 sounds in a completely different league when connected via XLR to the preamp. This has been my experience in my system. YMMV.
treebeard1 OP
148 posts
 
@milpai 
I'm using an XLR currently with the 851N.  I don't think the A21 is fully balanced, at least I think I read that here somewhere.  I have also read that it depends on the pre.  I don't think CJ even has a balanced pre but they certainly make the single ended work.
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