2. amps-preamps
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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
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,615 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
3,324 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
1,085 posts
 
Linear Tube Audio Micro ZOTL
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,514 posts
 
 to expand on Atmasphere’s suggestion on the Dynaco. 
Look at Tubes4hifi they have an updated new version of the Dynaco pass preamps for very reasonable pricing. If your handy and can solder you could save more and build it your self.  They offer kits and preassembled. 


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