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Best balanced linestage/preamp for $4000 or less ???

Hey all !!  So I need some help with choosing a preamp, preferably tube, that's a true balance design in and out.. For a 2.1 speaker system.. Need a sub so it'll have to have dual outputs running in parallel if that's the right term to use.. It'll have to have single ended inputs and outputs also.. I use an Oppo205 (Modwright) in the front end for everything digital coming in, movies and music.. But I do my critical listening with music so I use the modded portion of the 205 for that (balance output) and for movies/tv want to use the unmodded single ended outputs..

I have a Classe CA2200 amp and Salk bookshelf speakers and a sub (single ended input)..

I know BAT is out there.. VK31se I'm looking at and some older Audio Research but read them are unreliable.. Anything else anyone else have some experience with ? Will take your opinions seriously as that's how I chose my current equipment...   thanks

I know there's some good stuff single ended but I really want a well balance system through out with my music listening..

oem-wheels
oem-wheels OP
196 posts
 

Thanks Al !!!

That was some good info .. I'm going to have to take a closer look about the subwoofer and maybe take it out of the equation for now..

oem-wheels OP
196 posts
 
@almarg  ..  would finding a preamp with direct coupled outputs solve this issue ? The MP-3 MK3 is designed this way and I see some other preamps heading this way..
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almarg
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would finding a preamp with direct coupled outputs solve this issue ? The MP-3 MK3 is designed this way and I see some other preamps heading this way..
The direct coupled output of the MP-3 would have no trouble driving both your amp and a powered sub, if it could be modified to provide RCA output connectors in addition to its XLR connectors. I’d imagine that in general that would also be true of other tube-based models having direct coupled outputs, but I’m not aware of any such designs other than Ralph’s. And I think the design of his direct coupled output circuit may be patented.

But there are certainly a number of tube-based designs having capacitively coupled outputs or transformer coupled outputs that would also be suitable in that respect. Offhand, though, I can’t think of any that I know would also meet your other requirements and preferences (balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs; balanced internal signal path; tube-based; ~$4K or less).

Regards,
-- Al
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almarg
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P.S: What is the make and model of the subwoofer?

Regards,
-- Al
oem-wheels OP
196 posts
 

@almarg 

well don't laugh but its a Paradigm Monitor 8 .. Been meaning to upgrade it but been other things first.. Its not bad though is why I keep putting it on the back burner.. Applied the PBK to it.. I checked the specs after I read your 1st post and can't find the impedance anywhere - manual, online, Paradigm website..

BAT makes transformer coupled output with both XLR and single ended.. But after the "false" claims BAT posted on its impedance I think need to look elsewhere..

I think the MP-3 its going to be and find a sub with XLR input

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