Recommend me a preamp, please

[Markus S]

Requirements:

Great sound. Single-ended and balanced outputs. At least 4 line inputs. No separate power supply, no bigger than standard hi-fi component size.

Remote is nice but not essential.

New or used, the less expensive the better but flexible on price.

 

[YNWOAN]

Single-ended and balanced outputs - but not inputs?

 

[Markus S]

I don't think there will be many pres which have balanced outs but not ins. But so far I don't have a balanced source, so balanced ins are not currently a high priority.

Only reason for the balanced out requirement is the nCore which by all accounts sounds better when driven balanced, and that's the power amp I want to try next. I suppose I could use a balancing transformer on the single-ended outs of just about any pre, of course, but I'd like to avoid the rat's nest of cables that tends to go with bodged solutions.

 

[John R Leddy]

1999-2000 Audio Research LS16 Line Stage (Original RRP $2,995)

ARC Database: http://www.arcdb.ws/LS16/LS16.html

 

[i-s]

If you can find one, an NAD S100?

 

[Mr Perceptive]

Meridian 502?

 

[Capt. Z]

If you are looking for a pre amp that does not degrade your signal and does not compress dynamics, I would recommend you a 'custom build' Truth pre amp from The Hornshoppe.

Unfortunately the designer has not put much on his website about the pre, but they are selling faster then he can build them.

I posted a link to some 'First Impressions' of this pre and my review with pictures of the pre. Mine shown is one of the first once produced and look still a little DIY.

During the production run, the cosmetic has somewhat improved and they now look less DIY - as I was told.

Price is under a grand and you can have it configured the way you want it.

http://thehornshoppeforum.com/index.php?topic=286.0

Also, selector switch and balance control (not yet installed in mine when picture was taken) are on the front now.

 

[pt109]

Ayre K-5xe.

 

[merlin]

Levinson 326s

Burmester 808.

 

[Purité Audio]

Dietmar Bauers new design.
Keith.

 

[uncl_nigel]

Music First Audio passives - my Classic has four unbalanced and two balanced inputs and one set each of balanced and unbalanced outputs.
I have successfully used it with an Avondale power amp and, more to your point, via both types of output to an SAC KT88 valve amp.

 

[Markus S]

Dietmar Bauer

who he?

 

[gassor]

Music First Audio passives -

Also Prometheus passive pre which is a bit cheaper.

 

[muzzer]

Chevron Audio Paradox
http://www.chevronaudio.co.uk/html/preamplifier.htm
Colin will build you one with balanced outputs if you ask.

 

[Robert]

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=286

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/assets/documents/TheAbsoluteSoundUSNov08840E-Wlicensed.pdf

Seems to have everything required.

 

[afewbeers]

Linn Klimax kontrol on ebay for £2.5k. Has the necessary balanced options.

 

[gassor]

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=286

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/assets/documents/TheAbsoluteSoundUSNov08840E-Wlicensed.pdf

Seems to have everything required.

Looks impressive, do you know of a price?

 

[Robert]

Its only just been discontinued but last RRP was £1200, so should find one for well under £1k.
I believe a new 851 series pre is due which if the new 851 integrated is an indicator will be very similar but more expensive.

 

[merlin]

Markus

why not get your chap to solder some XLR's onto the second output of the Vibe.

It's a damned fine pre - almost up there with a 52.

 

[paskinn]

Also Prometheus passive pre which is a bit cheaper.

But also a bit less excellent. You get what you pay for the Music First.