Preamp recommendation

vette5451
In the market for a new pre-amp and looking for suggestions. I know this is very subjective to one’s tonal qualities so let’s consider all options in the $2k range.

You are using a Elac Alchemy PPA-2 phono stage with 66db of gain, over 6.0V output at 50ohms output impedance!! into an amp A21 that only needs 1v for full wattage output clipping.

YOU DON"T NEED AN ACTIVE PREAMP (with even more gain to waste money on.)

All you need a a passive preamp Balanced or SE, for even better sound, maybe with input selection if you have other sources.

SE
https://www.goldpt.com/sa1.html
https://www.goldpt.com/sa2.html

BAL
https://www.goldpt.com/sa1x.html
https://www.goldpt.com/sa2x.html

Cheers George

Having repaired some of the preamps above I would recommend two preamps for you after you send them to me for upgrades:

Counterpoint - SA-1000, SA-2000, SA-3000

DeHavilland - Don't recall the model.

Upgrades would include Nichicon capacitors, Audio Note, Shinkoh, Amtrans resistors, AC filter choke, V-Capacitors, tube sockets, RCA jacks, etc.  None of the preamps recommended above with have these parts inside. Depending on your budget, I can gut the internals and make the preamp point-to-point wired.

Happy Listening.

Interestingly enough, @georgehifi  just blasted another poster today for making positive comments on Class-D amplification. That poster is in the process of developing a Class-D amp and George hammers him for promoting a product that he will eventually be selling. In the very same day, as he does often, he promotes the virtues of passive pre-amps. He has sold passives himself for years. He blatantly, and often promotes product categories that he sells in this forum. Apparently it is A-ok for georgie to break his own unwritten rule. 

You really have no idea do you sunshine.
There is 6v from the phono stage at 50ohms output impedance. The power amp only needs 1v for full output, try to wrap you head around it if you can! 

I only recommend and link to other passives (not mine) when the impedance matches are fine, and there’s absolutely no extra gain needed from an expensive active preamp. Go learn some, and try to understand little more.

Interesting recommendations I would have never considered and that was the whole point.

A couple of extra criteria is the preamp needs to have remote and preferred balanced.