Preamp with tone controls?


Hi guys,

I need help choosing a used preamp to match with a pair of Bryston 7B ST's driving a pair of Bowers and Wilkins Nautilus 801 speakers. I was thinking maybe a Mcintosh C-220 or similar as I think a tube would warm up the sound a little and I will definitely be wanting tone controls. I will consider any high end brand. I'm not sure if the Mcintosh will be outdoing the rest of my system but I do like the idea of a tube with tone controls and I love the VU meters and the overall look of the Mc's. My system is set up in a loft room with an angled ceiling on both sides that I have recently treated with some homemade acoustic panels filled with Rockwool and covered with Cara fabric. Most of what I play still sounds a little bright. The preamp must definitely have tone controls.
I'm not sure what the Mcintosh will cost but my ideal my budget is around the £2000 mark. By the way I'm based in the UK
Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
woody24
For $1695.00 you can have it all with true high end sound at a budget price. The magnificent Onkyo P-3000R Preamp. A giant killer for the price. I heard the Pre recently and was floored. Sounds like a Pre in the $4K to $5K range. Has tone controls, a built in DAC and a decent phone stage. Great power supply and dual transformers. Weighs 25 pounds.
A no brainer.
The Onkyo is first a bargain and second it can give a deep and wide stage. In this price range quite unique.
If you don't need a preamp with a remote, consider a used ARC SP-3C. This all tube preamp is a classic and made better in the C version by the use of a FET regulated power supply. The tone controls are defeatable.
You may want to try a DBX 10/20/EQ. They have an excellent bypass and will not change the sound of your system by simply being hooked up. $350.00 to 400.00 good luck.