2. amps-preamps
  3. 984000208

Preamp suggestions needed

I am trying to decide on a preamp to go with my Conrad Johnson MF-2200 amp. I also have an Adcom 3 channel pre/pro/amp to run center and rears fot HT. If I understand correctly, I need a preamp with a processor loop, which is what I now have(Adcom GTP-450). I have been so impressed with CJ amp that I would like to have the CJ PFR pre mainly because it is set up with a video loop. However I don't know if I can afford it. Have also considered the Adcom GFP-750. A used one is more in my price range and also has a processor loop. What are some other alternatives for under $1000.00. Would also like a phono stage if possible. Though I don't have a real high end turntable it might be fun to listen to some of those RCA "Living Stereo" albums through a great amp and preamp. As always your advice is appreciated.
One more question: If I get rid of the 3 channel pre/pro/amp and get a 5 ch HT receiver how can I arrange it so I can use my main speakers for the fronts and for stereo also? Is that done through a speaker selector or do I still need a processor loop and just run 3 ch of the receiver for center and rears? Thanks again
128x128artemus_5
timvis
11 posts
 
If you like your CJ amp, I would get a CJ Preamp. That is really what they are famous for anyway. Some of their tube preamps are among the best commercially available, in my opinion. I like the Premier 3, Premier 10, pv-5 and pv-6.Older units, but better (and cheaper) than what they produce today. If you muct have solid state, check out spectral, if you can afford it. Cat SL1 is nice, too.Audioresearch is good (sp-6b), but a bit tubby and overblown in the bass . BTW, a tube pre with ss amp(s) is a great way to go if you cant afford to change power tubes. Finally, more expensive is rarely linearly correlated with better. keep that in mind.good luck
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,917 posts
 
Thanks Phild for the info. I'll check out the Norh
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,917 posts
 
Timvis, I've considered a tube preamp but have seen none with a processor loop. If Sedond is right, hooking it thru a tape loop may be a hassle but still worth considering. Thanks to both of you for the info.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
artemus, the sonic-frontiers pre's, the arc pre's, the vtl pre's have processor loops, dunno what others do, but surely they're out there....

i'd recommend a melos sha-gold/maestro for a toobed pre for ~$1k used, but no processor loop or fono-stage. yule have to control the wolumes separately for h-t, & yule need an outboard fono-stage, but it'll be worth it for sonics at that price-point, imho. the melos does have remote for wolume/balance...

good luck, doug s.

timo's avatar
timo
610 posts
 
Go for the CJ PFR dude. I speak from experience as I purchased one used on Audiogon some months ago for $1150. If you can't get the one on auction, be patient; it IS worth the wait for another to appear. I am running mine with an Ayre V-3 solid-state amp with very MUSICAL results!
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