2. amps-preamps
  3. 1350419527

Looking for a GREAT preamp under $2000...thoughts?

I have a system that is mostly from the mid-90's and I'm upgrading it piece by piece. Just ordered the Gallo Reference 3.5's with sub amp, bought a Graham Slee ERA Gold Reflex phono preamp, and found a second NAD 214 amp for extremely cheap on ebay ($100), (so I can bridge it with my current NAD 214). Before upgrading the amp and turntable (Goldring GR2), I'd like to look at doing an upgrade on the preamp. What can I get either used or new for around $2000 that will blow me away? I think it's prefer solid state over tube, but I'm open to suggestions
mountainpics
french_fries
815 posts
 
ROWLAND CONSUMMATE (USED). outboard power supply, bal. in/out, best metal remote control with fast/slow volume adjustments (200 steps). very tough to beat for $1800 (sometimes less). only problem is the display becomes dim after awhile- annoying but inconsequential as you can turn it off anyway, or send it to the factory to be refurbished. 2nd problem- in another league from NAD.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
I agree with Grannyring on the Bel Canto... a Previously enjoyed Coda CL or CP has a very similar flavor to the Bel Canto.
Depending on taste, many folks like the Classe CP50/60/65
If you NAD's are balanced (only if balanced) the Audio Research LS-9 is alot bang for the buck.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
The Rogue Perseus can be had for about $1800 new. It uses (2) 12AU7 tubes (very low noise). A very neutral, open sounding preamp with wide soundstage.
Not trying to sell you one, just saying with your budget you can afford tubes.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,200 posts
 
I am strongly considering a Bel Canto pre-amp in that price range for SS pre-amp.

For a tube pre-amp, the ARC sp-16 is very good (when the tubes are as well) and can come in well under $2000 used.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,200 posts
 
I should note that SP-16 has a very good built in phono stage. It requires at least one very low noise 12AX7 tube as the main of the three in the phono section to perform best though.

I don't think the Bel Canto pre-amps come with built in phono, but I could be mistaken.

Built in tube phono sections are best when you play vinyl regularly. For occasional vinyl use, it may make more sense to have an outboard phono section with a tube pre-amp. With SS, tube life is a non issue, so there is less to be concerned with regarding good performance in a tube phono section/pre-amp. Phono pre-amps are very sensitive to noise. Only the best quality tubes and shielding from external RFI/EMI noise will do.
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