2. amps-preamps
  3. 1275452104

best pre-amp new or used for under $500?

Hello there, just bought a 2-channel power amp and need pre-amp advice. My budget is low, as the title above states, and the power amp is a Rotel RB-1080. Speakers will be either Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1, Dynaudio Excite X16 or Totem Rainmakers. I have not auditioned these speakers yet, they are on my list because of reputation, look and price. Source is a Yamaha CD changer, will upgrade that after the speakers arrive. Room will be small, 12x12x8. Would prefer to have a couple sets of pre-outs so I can hook up a sub if necessary. A remote is an absolute must, my listening sessions are 90-120 minutes long. Thanks in advance and happy listening.
realremo
realremo OP
460 posts
 
Ck - I think the 326 is 50wpc, my Rotel amp is 200wpc and the speakers I plan to buy like a lot of watts, so I don't think I want to go the integrated route.
Roxy54 - thanks anyway, always good to hear about new gear. I will research the brand.
I have already considered the following:
parasound new classic 2100 (goes quick on Agon)
Anthem TLP-1 (very rare to find used)
Emotiva USP-1 (those bolt on metal strips look cheap)
Pacific Valve Audio gd PS 2 (just found this one, link: http://www.pacificvalve.us/AUDIOGDP2.html, does anyone have one of these units?)
ck
101 posts
 
Realremo,

How about a used NAD pre? Not sure what models to look for thought.

Cheers!
bdgregory
1,715 posts
 
Rotel RC1070s go for <$350 and would be a natural with your amp.

A better pre is the B&K PT3 or PT5, but they don't have the phono stage which the Rotel has. Not an issue if you don't need a phono. The B&Ks have a sub out, and also dual main outs.
cdc
1,826 posts
 
How does $70 sound? Well, here ya go:
Creek OBH
sonycdman09
11 posts
 
DUDE, Get a Pioneer C-91 Pre-amp!
I have one, and bought it used for
around $300.
It has a VERY AIRY sound, and has
a very OPEN SOUND.
There's a couple of them on ebay.
Just make sure that you get one that works
Properly! Some of these, because of their age,
due exhibit problems based on the previous
owners, use OR Abuse towards them.
It comes with a remote, so find one on the
bay that has the remote. IF it doesn't come
with a manual, I can send a copy through email,
and you can print it up.
ALSO, Some of these do get bad contacts
on the volume knob.
It requires a 1.5 alan wrench to take off
the volume knob at 2 points.
For future reference.
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