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
 
Ddan6815 - you must be referring to the Emotiva USP-1. Do you run a subwoofer?
ddan6815
30 posts
 
yes, I run a Velodyne fsp18, which I recently aquired. I run my Apogees full range, using the crossover of the sub instead of the usp1 crossover, If I was the run my Apogees using the high pass/low pass filters, I would use the crossover from the usp1
realremo OP
460 posts
 
Ddan - I ran a pair of B&W 685s with a HSU sub for about 6 months, until I bought the Denon AVR. I used a 15 year old Yamaha integrated, connected the sub to the B speaker terminals, and just used the crossover on the HSU, so no high-pass for the 685s. When I bought the Denon, I tried high-passing them, and was not satisfied until I bi-amped the 685s with the Denon's rear channels. Even then I thought the sound was better running the 685s full range. Now that I have the Rotel to push the 685s, the sound is much better. Still not sure about the Audessey room correction on the Denon - this is why I want to check out a pre-amp with bass management.
Some folks highly recommend tubed pre-amps, like the Anthem Pre 2 L, http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1280423801&/Anthem-Pre-2-L--SE-special-edi, doesn't have bass management but does have two sets of pre's, so I can use the crossover on the powered sub...so quality pre or bass management I guess is the dilemma.
kickman7
2 posts
 
Hello. I happened to stumble across this thread, and thought I'd make a suggestion that may be worth considering. How about the purchase of an Oppo BDP-80? Yes, it's a respectable DVD/CD/SACD player. You can connect the Oppo directly to your amp via the left/right output directly into the left/right inputs to your amplifier. The Oppo features its' own volume control, so you totally bypass the use/need for a separate pre-amplifier you'll have full volume control via the Oppo' remote. Depending on the model 'Yamaha' CD changer you're planning to use, you may find that the Oppo proves to be a step 'up' from your 'Yamaha'. You can purchase the BDP-80 for less than the $500 you have in your budget, and, simultaneously add a nice piece of equipment to your setup.
4krow
80 posts
 
Well, that's how it goes, first I buy, then I check it out....Yah, I just put in an offer for a Nakmichi CA5 MK11, and first thing I read here is that it doesn't sound good. Many years ago, I owned a CA5, and regretted ever selling it. But maybe a mod of some sort will bring the MK11 up to standard.
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