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Battle of affordable pre-amps: Rotel vs Parasound

Which would sound better, Rotel RC 1550 or Parasound P3? System is 2-channel, pair of Quad 22L2s powered by a 200wpc Rotel RB-1080. Room is small, 12x10x8, and acoustical foam will be applied to front and back walls. Floor is carpeted. I mostly listen to CDs, although I do keep up a lossless music library for my iPod. We can talk DACs later! Musical preference ranges from Frank Sinatra to Beethoven to electronica/IDM, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, and Bowie. I don't have a decent CD player yet, but you can assume Rotel RCC-1055 or Music Hall 25.2 or Cambridge Audio 550. Your thoughts are appreciated, thanks.
realremo

Showing 2 responses by blkadr

blkadr
739 posts
 
I've always felt Rotel's value was in power amps, and not preamps. This goes back decades, but not so long ago I sold a Musical Fidelity pre locally, and the buyer was instantly impressed, feeling it was a great improvement over his more current Rotel.
Without having experience with either, I would gamble on the Parasound.
blkadr
739 posts
 
I think it was the MF A3cr that I enjoyed for a while. I see one just sold that had been listed for $550 (I think). Another Musical Fidelity pre I really liked was the X-P100. It was one of the small cased with an oval shaped faceplate units from some time back. This little thing sounded great, wish I had held on to mine. Classic high value find IMO.
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