2. amps-preamps
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Suggest an entry - midrange Preamp (tube as well as SS) for a McIntosh power amp

Starting a new thread to get some suggestions on what would be a good preamp for my new McIntosh MC152 power amp. Currently its connected to my Rotel RA-12 and powering KEF LS50s. I plan to upgrade the speakers down the line to either something like the Evoke 50s or B&W 805D3 (still debating between their sound sig.).
My preference tends to be more towards warm, non-harsh top end with a little sparkle and good controlled bass. I do like the Rotel sound honestly, but it being an Integrated, I plan to move it to do duties in another room. I would prefer to have a DAC built in, but if its a good Analog only tube preamp, I’m open for it. Needs to have a remote control and preferably a sub-out along with pre-outs.
Right now on my radar are:
Parasound P6
Rogue RP1
Schiit Saga or Freya +
Given the damage I just took from the McIntosh purchase, I’m trying to get by with as low as possible price wise. So unless its really worth the extra spend, I’d like to stay closer to $1-1.5k USD range.

On a different note, is okay to use a Y-splitter on the Pre-out to feed to the sub and the power amp? Or will this degrade the signal or mess anything with the input impedence on the sub or the power amp?
sr20022002
allenf1963
369 posts
 
The Freya+ would be a great option even if you hadn't opened the vault to get a McIntosh amplifier.  The fact that you did (and I'm very jealous) tips the scales greatly in Schiit's favor.

The Freya+ plays way above its pricepoint in sound quality, build quality, features, and also in the areas such as customer support and return policies.  An added bonus, at least in my eyes, Schiit Audio is an American company.  I think you would be very happy with the McIntosh and Schiit pairing. 

I haven't rolled the tubes in my Freya+ Preamp....yet.
mcmvmx
108 posts
 
Audible Illusions Modulos 3a preamp...sounds great !
lordrootman's avatar
lordrootman
383 posts
 
Since you’re familiar with Rotel 
look for RC1590 Preamp sounds amazing 
I choose it over Parasound P6 
you’re going to find  a gentle pre own around  800-1500
pops
2,275 posts
 
Check out dehavilland ultra verve 3.  Big, bold, versatile in terms of driving low impedance SS amps.  
sr20022002 OP
15 posts
 
@woodhart @jnorris2005 @allenf1963 Thanks for sharing your experience with the Schiitt gear. I’m super tempted give the price, just not sure if I should instead get a SS preamp first that has a Dac built in and then add Freya later for the tube sound. It’s a tough call 

@mrklas I’ve definitely heard of Simaudio, its just that its way outside my price range, I’m trying to say south of $1.5k 

@georgehifi I’ll ping that user about the tubes, thanks for the tip! 

@mcmvmx Will check that one out, not heard of it before. 

@lordrootman Will that Rotel make that much of a difference though? From my understanding the only difference is I think upgrade from the Wolfson (WM8470 maybe?) to a different DAC. I’m trying to know if its a sizeable upgrade. 

@pops Thanks will check it out

Appreciate all the suggestions. I’ll do some homework now based on the recommendations and come back to this topic
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