2. amps-preamps
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Looking for a Preamp up to $3K

Need balanced in X2, balanced out X2.

Own a Pass X350.5 amp.
GCPH phono pre with gain.
PerfectWave DAC with Bridge goes balanced into Pass (no pre)
GCPH goes RCA into Pass.

I'm tired of swapping cables as one could imagine. Who knew I'd get back into vinyl - but I did.

Been seriously considering building a Audio Note L3 with some really good parts.

The Wyred4Sound SE looks intriguing.

Both offer connectivity that I seek.

Currently have no preamp but had a Cary SLP-05 (great pre, don't ask).

Any help or experience would be appreciated.
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
Are you happy with the sound of the direct connections? If so, you might want to try passive with something like a Bent TAP or a Placette.
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
Aestetix Calypso used about $2200.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,211 posts
 
Ditto the Calypso... will need to account for NOS tubes ($300'ish).
allchemie
118 posts
 
The greatest bargain in balanced tubed pre-amps is the Doge 8. At around $1,500 at Pacific Valve, its performance is amazingly good and it also has a good phono section. Another very good pre-amp in the $2,000 to $3,000 range is the battery powered Dodd. But it is not balanced.

Another excellent pre-amp is the Audio Horizons 2.2. It starts at around $2,750 and there are a plethora of upgrades available to the buyer as budget permits. The starting price is $2,750 and the unit is fully balanced, both in and out. While it doesn't have the great looks of the Doge 8, it is an excellent performer.

Greg
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