Parasound P7. Highly rated even if you don't do multichannel. Used, around $1k or less.
Preamp w/ a budget of $2000
Hi All,
I'm looking to replace my NAD preamp. It is now the weak link in my system. I would like to keep the budget to 2K or less. Requirements: Pre out or sub out, MM phono section, and a remote.
Associated equipment:
Amps: Anthem MCA 20, Red Dragon M-100 monoblocks
Sources: Bluesound node 2, TV, ProJect Debut Carbon
Speaker(s): I do a lot of switching out- Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S, Gallo 3.1 reference, MMGs, Green Mountain Audio Continuum I, DIY Nola Brio Trio Clones
Subs: Paradigm Monitor Sub 12" x2, REL T-7 x 2
Cables: Anticable IC's throughout, Anticable Speaker wire, Audio Magic Speaker cable
I am a detail freak and tend to like my sound towards the more clinical side of things. Of course imaging, soundstage depth/width, and image focus are important. I listen to a lot of Jazz and recently a fair bit of electronic as well.
Any and all advice or direction would be appreciated.
Best- Ben
I'm looking to replace my NAD preamp. It is now the weak link in my system. I would like to keep the budget to 2K or less. Requirements: Pre out or sub out, MM phono section, and a remote.
Associated equipment:
Amps: Anthem MCA 20, Red Dragon M-100 monoblocks
Sources: Bluesound node 2, TV, ProJect Debut Carbon
Speaker(s): I do a lot of switching out- Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S, Gallo 3.1 reference, MMGs, Green Mountain Audio Continuum I, DIY Nola Brio Trio Clones
Subs: Paradigm Monitor Sub 12" x2, REL T-7 x 2
Cables: Anticable IC's throughout, Anticable Speaker wire, Audio Magic Speaker cable
I am a detail freak and tend to like my sound towards the more clinical side of things. Of course imaging, soundstage depth/width, and image focus are important. I listen to a lot of Jazz and recently a fair bit of electronic as well.
Any and all advice or direction would be appreciated.
Best- Ben
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- 35 posts total
I'm very fond of my Classe CP500. It meets your criteria. It is a very detailed preamp and is under appreciated and therefor a bargain. The phono is optional. $500.00 if not already in one you may find. I picked one up for $1200.00 without phono and added the phono section. I've compared it to other pre amps such as the Classe CP800 and the highly respected Audio Research LS27. For the hugh selling difference and the miniscule sound difference, I chose to keep the CP500 as my one and only preamp! Good luck Joe |
you'll need to see if you want a remote - some of the older ARC's don't have them then there is the issue of when the nice knobs changed to the unhappy twist & hold ones (which look the same) - my LS-25 MkII has those and while I understand why they did it, it is not as ergonomically esthetic... - BTW, mine was $2,500 refurbed by Upscale Audio and they toka credit card; I've seen them for $2,200 maybe less the nice switches on the bottom should all be fine for the used ones people will tell you certain older models sound better than newer ones, but I discount that - IIRC, SP-11 gets a lot of plaudits check this out: http://www.arcdb.ws/ I'm not saying there aren't other xlnt pre-amps, mind you... |
- 35 posts total