2. amps-preamps
  3. 155997-144538

seeking recommendations for a preamp

I've been lurking a while, but this is my first post. I will appreciate any advice given, and thank you for reading this.

My Kenwood C2 bit the dust. I have lost the right channel, and the input selector is also going out. I'm looking to replace it, and upgrade quite a bit. The wife has given me a $2500 budget, new or used is ok. I listen to Vinyl a lot, as well as my echo dot which is also plugged into my preamp with a headphone to RCA adapter. I'll list my other equipment now.

Completely rebuilt Altec A7-500 with all new parts from GPA
JBL L200s
Kenwood M1D amplifier
Homebrew rebuilt Monoblocks from Zenith consoles with EL84/6BQ5
Yamaha EQ
Thorens TD 318 with an Ortofon cart. Unsure which one as I am at work
SVS PB16 ultra

The room is 16 wide by 20 deep. I primarily listen to the Altecs and tube amps with the SVS sub taking up the slack in the bass from the A7s. Sometimes I listen to the JBLs driven by the Kenwood M1D. I notice that the echo dot sounds a lot better than my turntable, so I know I must be needing a better phono stage. I've tried swapping out turntables with a couple of Dual 1229s with Shure M97XE carts that Bill at fixmydual has gone through thoroughly so It's not isolated to my Thorens. I guess I' surprised that the $30 Echo Dot sounds so much better.  

I admit I don't have the best cables, and will upgrade those as I can. I feel like the preamp is the heart of the system so I want to make a good choice. I love Macintosh, based purely off emotion, but don't know if it's the best choice for my situation. I do not have a local shop to audition, and none of my friends are into audio. What preamps should I be looking at ??
128x128adrianleewelch
timlub
2,040 posts
 
Way back, when this was new, I owned most of the kenwood gear. Had L07 series and all of the Basic Series that you own. I’ve modded and had a few pieces through the years.... For your budget. I would recommend that you sell of your Basic M1D and take a look at a good inexpensive Integrated. There are Several under $2000 used that would be terrific.
Take a look at Belles Aria, Rotel RA1592, maybe a Musical Fidelity or  a Parasound, you could find an Hegel at that price.... The Belles has a phono section and is a steal going used for around $1400. I have also rebuilt A-7’s in the past. All of these will out perform your Kenwood. Good luck, Tim
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,834 posts
 
Seek a preamp the uses 6SN7s in the line section- that is the best tube for that job. You can find such that include a phono section within your budget.

Dynaco made a preamp called the PAS-3; if you find one of those used it will likely have to be refurbished. But you can get that done and have it substantially upgraded to be a giant killer, also well within your budget.
adrianleewelch's avatar
adrianleewelch OP
74 posts
 
Thank you both, I' researching these now !
bigkidz
3,386 posts
 
Basic preamp that sound warm and musical - Prima Luna Prologue - used around $1700

Counterpoint SA-2000 or SA-3000 if you want a phono section - send to me for complete upgrades about $850.

6SN7 DeHavilland - send to me for upgrades - about the same $850.

Happy Listening.


lancelock
1,094 posts
 
Linear Tube Audio Micro ZOTL
More to discover