Fully Balanced Pre-Amp? Recs?

[schneller]

Does anyone have recommendations for a fully balanced pre-amp? With balanced (XLR) inputs and outputs? Does anything good exist that doesn't cost NAIM prices? Thanks.

 

[RossB]

EAR 912.

 

[uncl_nigel]

Relatively affordable second hand - MFA Classic (2 xlr in 1 out plus conversion on the RCA ins)

More sustantially priced - Aesthetix Calypso (5 xlr in 2 out)

I have both and use the Aesthetix for its greater adjustability (and sq). The MFA is great for the price but lacks a little adjustability at 2am but if you only listen at moderate to loud levels you may never need anything more.

 

[ChrisPa]

Meridian G02

 

[eisenach]

Primare Pre32.

 

[hifinutt]

older model arc pre amps ? mfa seconded

 

[James Evans]

Auralic taurus in audio emotion preowned?

 

[Seeker_UK]

Meridian G02

Or a 502.

 

[Lambros]

Dynavector L300

 

[Tonyb]

Wyred 4 Sound STP SE.

 

[Alexh]

ATC SCA2 if you can find a used one.

 

[TheDecameron]

ARC REF3. Impeccable SQ and engineering, nor does it cost NAIM prices.

 

[Tonyb]

Something a bit more pro-orientated, a recommendation from Karl-Heinz Fink ( http://karl-heinz-fink.de/ ), MTX MONITOR.V3b-4.2.1 from FUNK Tonstudiotechnik in Berlin (http://www.funk-tonstudiotechnik.de/ABHOERSYSTEME.htm ). (With a very cool and unique remote control unit!).

 

[abbydog]

Discontinued Linn Klimax control would be my pick if budget was tight - can be had used for peanuts given the performance (Linn power amps are ordinary). Any of the ARC Ref pres are good but I’d look for an LS5 - may take a little finding. A used Ayer KX-R would be good too and will also see off a 552 (which was ordinary at £10k but at its current inflated price is just silly). Lots of options but these are the ones I know - you are right to insist on balanced but try to ensure you’re getting a fully differential device and not a few chips.

 

[33RPM]

I took a gamble in buying an Abrahamsen V3.0 up online. Easily bettered my previous Pardo, Naim, Avondale pre amps at a (me thinks) silly price. Balanced out for poweramp(s) and balanced CD in.

 

[dweezil]

Lyngdorf has both as well as coax and optical digital inputs.

Might be some about 2nd hand but i'll be keeping mine til it dies.

 

[hifinutt]

bd audio is seling their grandinote preomio pre amp , I had this on demo this year and its very very good indeed. only reason I did not buy one is it does not have htb and its black !!!

 

[evand]

ATC SCA2 if you can find a used one.

Brilliant preamp, I’ll never sell mine.