Try to find a used Pass Labs X-1. I know it has balanced inputs and outputs and I believe it has a HT pass through. It is pretty neutral and a great value IMO. You could contact Mark at Reno Hifi. I have no affiliation. I owned this pre amp and Mark is a great dealer.
Balanced preamp with HT pass-thru needed $2K
I just took the plunge on a mint Bryston 4B-SST2 PRO, and I need a preamp to mate with it. I'm replacing a Cambridge Audio 840a integrated amp. I use my system in conjunction with an HT rig, and take the L/R pre-outs from my little Yamaha receiver into my "good" system to watch movies, so ideally, I'd like my new preamp to feature HT pass-thru. It's probably not an absolute necessity if I can get better sound for the same $$$, especially since the Bryston has switchable (and variable) gain. I could probably get my HT rig to "play nice" at a reasonable spot on the volume knob. At any rate, 2-channel performance is by far my biggest concern.
I very much want to use the balanced inputs on the Bryston, so balanced outputs on the preamp are a must, along with at least one pair of balanced inputs, as my Cambridge Audio 840c CD player does better through the balanced outputs.
I am not against tubes per se, but the Bryston has a fairly low input impedance (20 Kohm in balanced mode), so a tube preamp must have very low output impedance to work. For this reason, I don't think passive preamps are on the table right now. Frankly, I would prefer a SS active preamp if at all possible.
Subwoofer outputs would be great.
My listening preferences lean towards:
-- absolute tonal neutrality
-- great imaging and soundstaging
-- great dynamics
i.e., great "everything" without undue coloration.
For $2K or less, what would you suggest? Gently used is fine. There is a Bel Canto e.one Pre-3 on A-gon right now for $1,100, and it seems to fit the bill. Any thoughts on that one? How about McCormack?
Anyway, I'm rambling. Thanks in advance!
jim
I very much want to use the balanced inputs on the Bryston, so balanced outputs on the preamp are a must, along with at least one pair of balanced inputs, as my Cambridge Audio 840c CD player does better through the balanced outputs.
I am not against tubes per se, but the Bryston has a fairly low input impedance (20 Kohm in balanced mode), so a tube preamp must have very low output impedance to work. For this reason, I don't think passive preamps are on the table right now. Frankly, I would prefer a SS active preamp if at all possible.
Subwoofer outputs would be great.
My listening preferences lean towards:
-- absolute tonal neutrality
-- great imaging and soundstaging
-- great dynamics
i.e., great "everything" without undue coloration.
For $2K or less, what would you suggest? Gently used is fine. There is a Bel Canto e.one Pre-3 on A-gon right now for $1,100, and it seems to fit the bill. Any thoughts on that one? How about McCormack?
Anyway, I'm rambling. Thanks in advance!
jim
- ...
- 12 posts total
I'd suggest that you take a look at the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE. I've been using one in my two-channel rig for a year and a half now, and I couldn't be happier. It's got balanced inputs and outputs, HT passthrough, and is as transparent as all get out. And, best of all, it costs $2k. I've got no affiliation with W4S -- besides being an exceedingly happy customer. Good luck. -- Howard |
Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE. New for $2k. Excellent pre. |
Yeah, that W4S model had hit my radar. It doesn't look very sexy, but if it sounds as good as they say, then I could live with it. I was worried about the output impedance in "passive" mode, but apparently the buffering tames that spec all the way down to 113 ohms, which should work just fine with the 4B SST2 PRO. It's gonna be tough to not try it out. That said, do any of you have any experience with the Pass Aleph P? |
- 12 posts total