2. amps-preamps
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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
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.
thesoundhouse
250 posts
 
My first choice is Nakamichi CA 5. Do not buy CA 5 MKII it does not even sound good. NAD 1020 is very good preamp for cheap. The Nak has a killer phono amp!
ddan6815
30 posts
 
I would reconsider the Emotiva USP1. the bolts on the strip may look cheap, as you say, take them off and look inside. for $399 with a remote. It has no tone controls and a few other features you may find useable.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
If you a Rotel amp why not match it up w/a Rotel pre-amp? It would cosmetically match. How about an RC-995? That would be my choice since it has a remote and it is a very good pre-amp. For a song you pick-up an older Rotel pre-amp (RC-970/980BX) that would sound very nice but would not have a remote.
koven
94 posts
 
used mini max for $500 if you're lucky
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