2. amps-preamps
  3. 1235887955

inexpensive preamp for Ayre V3 with Green Mountain

I am working on a budget with Green Mountain Europa speakers. They are great speakers and given the space I am working with, a really good match. My challenge now is to find the right amp/pre-amp combination that fits my budget.

I have settled an Ayre V3 amp and will spend most of my cash on it. I need an inexpensive pre-amp to provide volume control with a remote. Of the sub-$1000 solid state pre-amps, does anyone have a recommendation? I need 2 inputs, balance out, and a set of single end pre-outs for subwoofer. Current bargains on Audiogon include:
NuForce
Celeste Sim Audio
classe cp60
bryston bp 25
proceed Pre
Music Fidelity A3
Audio Refinement
Creek

Lots of options - opinions or feedback based on experience will be appreciated.

thanks!
drewh1
stereo
147 posts
 
Audio Mirror. They are awesome! I have the Pp1. It's not lean, but full bodied and dynamic. Both Audio Mirror preamps are in your price range, used. Both have excellent sound and remote control.
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
skip on the pre amp will run the nice Ayre.
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
Plus i second any coda pre amp.i have one and love it,some of the best around,
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
Stringreen,

You seem to have a lot of experience with Ayre - what is your opinion on the AX7 - I don't need a ton of power with the GMAs and although the V3 is a good deal used, I am concerned about it's issues with heat and power consumption - Plus, I hear you about pairing an Ayre pre-amp, I agree that I will have to wait to buy one.

I am thinking I could just wait to find a used AX7 and be done with it.

so what do you think -

Option 1 - V3, wait for preamp (I can use my Monarchy DAC24 as tube pre-amp in the interim, it does not have balanced outputs).
OR
wait for AX7?

Thanks for you feedback.
ferrari
617 posts
 
Forgot to menetion the Pass Labs Aleph P preamp and is every bit the measure of any ss pre I have heard. Carefully and astute shopping you might get a non remote unit for near price you have in mind. Has RCA and Balanced in and out connectors for each selection. Seldom come up for resale though. Heavy unit at 35 pounds case work milled out solid aluminum stock. If it had a on board phono section I would have one. New it sold for $4,000.00
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