2. amps-preamps
  3. 150175-134479

Best budget preamp for my entry level system?

Greetings everyone. I need some input on the selection of a pre-amplifier.

After years of making the most of and enjoying my existing budget system, I'm kicking in a few dollars to upgrade my system. I'm currently using a Marantz 2215B receiver, a Pioneer PL-550 turntable, a pair of Boston Acoustic CR-9's, an old junky JBL sub, and a bluetooth adapter to connect to my i-phone for streaming audio....

So far I have purchased the following replacement / upgrade components: Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend Speakers, and a Emotiva UPA-200 Amplifier.

>>> Any recommendations on a pre-amplifier? I'm definitely thinking pre-owned, and something around $300. Would want to connect my existing turntable, and a good quality CD player to it in the future. Also like to use my I-phone as a source as well through either a bluetooth adapter, or plugging in directly. I mostly listen to classic rock and rock.

Thank you, any feedback provided would be greatly appreciated!

Rene

barkeyzee1
barkeyzee1 OP
41 posts
 
Thanks for all of the helpful feedback received!

I checked out the Schiit website, looks like they make some good quality equipment. Great specs, lots of great reviews, and I have seen the Schitt name referenced in quite a few discussions in these forums. MANI Phono stage, SAGA preamp, and the LOKI tone control (EQ) can all be had for combined cost of less than $500.

A quick search on e-bay shows lots of integrated amps available. 

Unfortunately, listening to the equipment prior to purchase isn't possible in most cases, at least for me anyways. Lots of research, lots of review reading, and then buying equipment that has a good return policy is the best approach. Zu Audio and Schitt both have a good return policy.

jp-2213
43 posts
 
PS Audio Sprout (used) would be an integrated option or a used Parasound P5 pre if you want to keep the Emo amp...decent burr-brown dac, phono stage, bass management.

wont get you to the promised land but decent sounding, well built budget pre with options

-JP
jnorris2005
185 posts
 
+1 on the Schiit Saga.  I own one and love it.  The newer Saga S is a solid state version for more money ($299) and the Saga + ($400) is an updated version of the original tube-based Saga.
davekayc
173 posts
 
Youre better off surfing local classifieds . Finding something that was not bad but is now 300 bucks. I hate seeing people throw away money for half measures and circulating junk around . I would wait and find something local for 500 bucks . Which you would find with  online sellers for more like 1000. At least then you would have something a little heavier built , just try to avoid gimmicky crap.... just good old 2.0 
sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
NAD 3020i or 3225pe. Great all around units, and fit the budget well if you find one in decent shape. I’m using. 3225pe as a preamp with a pair of NAD 2700 power amps (250 WPC into 8 ohms) vertically biamped to my Energy Reference Connoisseur 70 speakers. It started out as just a NAD 3020i and a pair of Energy Reference Connoisseur 30 speakers, and I was very happy with the sound quality, but the upgrades became available and I couldn’t turn them down. 
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