2. amps-preamps
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"Budget" preamp choices.

All right, so here it is: I need a new preamp, preferably $750 or under. The rest of my system is as follows: Rega Saturn - Pass Aleph 3 - AKG K1000. Soundstage, beautiful mids, and detail are my biggest things. I've been considering getting the Rega Cursa, either 2000 or the recent '3' edition, to match my new CD player, but I'm open to all kinds of suggestions. The only restriction other than price are it can't be too tall, as my top-loading CD player already has the top space in my rig. I generally prefer solid state, but if you guys think tubes will add just the right ingredient to complete my rig, recommend away!
meyvn
autospec
454 posts
 
Meyvn: You can get several different Audio Research pre-amps in that price range....The LS-1 and the LS-2 are great pre-amps, so are the early Conrad Johnson's.....I have owned all of these and they are great for the money..
davt's avatar
davt
500 posts
 
I am very happy with my Belles 21A Auricap which is $3000.00. I have heard that the new Belles Solo gives it a real run for the money at about $700.00.
jejaudio
110 posts
 
I would go to the Power Modules web sight and look at the Belles Soloist 3 preamp. It will meet and exceeded your expectations. It's in your price range and comes with a remote. I own one and it's one of the best buys out there price to performance wise.
teajay
1,659 posts
 
Meyvn, I would highly recommend you put on your audition list a used Placette passive line stage, new it goes for $1600.00, however you can find used for around $900.00,
yes, a little over your budget, but a killer that competes sonicly with line stages up to thousands of dollars more.

The kind of sonic virtues you are looking for are offered by the Placette, take a look at the numerous threads regarding it's performance here on the GON for much more details.
cbird1
21 posts
 
Sounds like the making of a great sytem...Great Phones. I would forgo the pre-amp, sell the Rega and upgrade to a Wadia which has a built in volume control. The upgrade is not subtle...I was in a similar predicament with a Cal Audio player-I bought a Placette but ultimately opted for the clarity and staging of going direct.
Good Luck,

Fred
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