preamp advice.. quad 909 + esl-63

No, unless you are very lucky. The 63s are very revealing speakers [I use to be a Quad dealer] and will reveal deficiencies in your associated equipment. I would budget quite a bit more to get the most out of your gear. Your amp is quite good and the speakers are excellent.

thanks on this. while my budget's limited, if there's something great you might suggest under $1000, i could wait and buy eventually..

thanks again..

There are many used ones that are good in this price range but they are constantly changing. I would read the archive reviews in Stereophile when I saw one I liked. I'll be glad to tell you anything I know about a particular model if you email me. I liked Quad preamps, the 44 turns up once in a while and isn't bad, no remote or modern conveniences. The Creek passive pre, 21 or 22, I forget, is very good; it is around $500 new. You could get something like the Musical Fidelity V series phono stage, which is $179 new to use with it. An older Classe pre with built in phono would also be good. But as I said there are many possibilities.

Look for a used Quad 99. Mixing and matching does not work with Quad electronics. By using the matching preamp you will be assured tonal accuracy and averall musicality. Included is a balanced "QuadLink" bus cable to minimize cost and concern about which cable to buy.