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Best used preamp for around $1000. . .

I currently own a McCormack TLC-1 Deluxe. I love its sound (or lack thereof) in many ways, but I am finding I really miss they dynamics of active designs. Can anyone give me some good recommendations for used amps around the $1000 price point? Two that obvious come to mind to me are the Adcom GFP-750 and the Musical Fidelity A3 CR, but there must be plenty more!!! Thanks in advance for the ideas. . .
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swallace
20 posts
 
If you can find one, I've heard good things about the Musical Design SP2-B. I just picked up a used one for well under your cap and had it sent directly to Musical Designs for a tune up and some tweaking; total still under $1000 including interconnects.
zkidd
103 posts
 
I would recommend a Cary SLP 50 A, not the B, if you can find one. The A is great, especially with oil caps. The sound is rather remarkable for such a small (in stature) preamp. Good luck.
thorty40
149 posts
 
Blue Circle BC21. No doubt.
ronwcb70
1 posts
 
After having repaired my Blue Circle no less than eight times, I purchased a SF Line 1. Not only does it sound far more transparent than the BC21, it has proven to be very reliable. The unit also looks and operates like an expensive preamp ought to.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
while i'd still stick the melos sha-gold as my 1st choice, before getting a cary slp50, i'd pony up a few more bucks for their current slp98. won't bust that $1k budget *too* badly if ya get one used, & this is a nice unit, w/future upgradeability...
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