2. amps-preamps
  3. 167202-162283

How to fix my preamp dilemma

My NAD integrated succumbed to old age and I found a Parasound Zamp3/Zpre2 combo on Ebay and pulled the trigger. Even this expenditure was somewhat controversial in my marital landscape, some people just don't understand audio fidelity doesn't grow on trees! For <$400, I couldn't have been happier, everything was great......but 8 months in the preamp started switching between channels and has a loud humming noise that seems like it's coming from the transformer, it powers on but is unresponsive.

From here I could use some advice from the knowledgeable, I'm not sure fixing the Zpre2 is money well spent, my first inclination was to find a used Zpre3, but there aren't any around. What seems more attainable at a reasonable price is a used Schiit Saga+, or an oldler Adcom, is it a bad idea to jump ship to another manufacturer given that the Zamp/Zpre are likely designed to function together?
sturdy
Post removed 
sturdy OP
7 posts
 
@mesch I’m away from home at the moment, but I remember the analog connection from the tv end looking more like a headphone jack than a digital output. Are passive preamps considerably cheaper than active ones? Sounds like possibly I’ve been neglecting my source material by not having it run through a dac
mesch
3,424 posts
 
Yes, often the analog output is a 3.5mm headphone output 

you would improve the sonic qualities for both music and video with a outboard DAC. Most DAC outputs would allow for use of a passive preamp. Look up the Schiit Modi DACs. I believe it would be a great place to start. Would serve well with the parasound pre/ amp.

in the interim, a passive pre will work. 
epz
33 posts
 
Too bad you dont live in NYC, i have a Adcom GTP-500ii with remote I would sell for under $200 but i hate shipping stuff.
mesch
3,424 posts
 
To repeat, I recommend the DAC as an upgrade to your current system. The Schiit Modi 3 retails for $100 plus shipping. It has coax, opticak and USB inputs. There is a optical input only version on Ebay with a current bid of $40 if that is the only input you need. 

I recommend the passive preamp route as a way to control volume between the DAC and amplifier as a way to avoid the cost of an active preamplifier. Schiit SYS passive pre allows for 2 inputs selectable by front button. Sells for $50 plus shipping. 
Another one, the Nobsound Passive pre sold by a US distributor, Doukmall, on Ebay, has single input and sells for $40 with shipping.  It is just a volume control in a aluminum box. I own both. If only needing single input I would purchase the Nobsound. 

You may find the use of a passive preamp to be all you need. Either way will serve until you are positioned to purchase a new active one.
More to discover