2. amps-preamps
  3. 130070-2198

Looking for an used, inexpensive pre amp

Currently using a cheap but fairly nice sounding Dayton T120 D class amp.  Not enough inputs.  I would like to find a pre amp to use with this amp and perhaps at some point, if I can find the money, I can buy a power amplifier to replace the Dayton.

Figure my budget to be under $200 right now.  Looks like plenty of older inexpensive Solid State pre amps are available on Ebay.  

Any ideas what I should look for when buying a preamp?  I've only used Integrated amplifiers up to this point.  
will62
gregorybraun's avatar
gregorybraun
24 posts
 

How about a Rotel RC-1070 Preamplifier.

It has a good MM phono stage, five high-level inputs, two pair of preamp outputs along with two sets of tape outputs.

It includes a remote control, and has a very nice headphone amplifier circuit.

You can find a nice one second-hand for about $200 if you're patient.

-gb-

halecory's avatar
halecory
11 posts
 
I'm currently selling my Hafler preamp here on Audiogon.  I would take the pepsi challenge with anything around it's price range.  

lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
682 posts
 
Any of the chip amps totally benefit by having a tube preamp in front of them to warm up the sound.

Having said that I might have a tube preamp for you under $100.  It is an Aric Audio preamp and has 3 line stage inputs.  Is that enough for you?  If not, I would add a switchbox as mentioned above.  My friend used this preamp with his Fleawatt chip amp and it solidly improved the Fleawatt's already great sound.  I think it may just need new tubes (2-12au7's).  Once I get new tubes, I'll test to make sure its working.  Price will be $50+cost of tubes.  By far, this is the best deal or sonic improvement you'll ever find for the price.

Downside, is that I'm very busy right now with lots of projects to get done this month.  If you are able to be patient, this would be a excellent deal for you.  Thanks,
Lou
n_cuny
4 posts
 
Hi Will 
I have a Counterpoint SA2000 with upgrades. Listed on eBay
datagov
3 posts
 
You can sometimes find Emotiva UMC-1 or UMC-2 pre/pros for 200-300.  They have some bugs but they sound great and accept many inputs.
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