2. amps-preamps
  3. 135996-10077

Best balanced linestage/preamp for $4000 or less ???

Hey all !!  So I need some help with choosing a preamp, preferably tube, that's a true balance design in and out.. For a 2.1 speaker system.. Need a sub so it'll have to have dual outputs running in parallel if that's the right term to use.. It'll have to have single ended inputs and outputs also.. I use an Oppo205 (Modwright) in the front end for everything digital coming in, movies and music.. But I do my critical listening with music so I use the modded portion of the 205 for that (balance output) and for movies/tv want to use the unmodded single ended outputs..

I have a Classe CA2200 amp and Salk bookshelf speakers and a sub (single ended input)..

I know BAT is out there.. VK31se I'm looking at and some older Audio Research but read them are unreliable.. Anything else anyone else have some experience with ? Will take your opinions seriously as that's how I chose my current equipment...   thanks

I know there's some good stuff single ended but I really want a well balance system through out with my music listening..

oem-wheels

Showing 5 responses by tweak1

tweak1
3,563 posts
 
th top of my very short list is Parasound Halo JC 2. I own their P 5 which I use in balanced mode
tweak1
3,563 posts
 
My dream for several years was to get a Parasound JC 2, but @ 4K it is out of my foreseeable budget. I was reading a passive preamp thread, which moved me to use the XLR outs from my Oppo 105 direct to my amps. fortunately, no impedance issues and wow, the noise floor dropped off a cliff. The only negative is any volume lower han full on seems to cause bit loss, BUT, now I am exploring passive pres. I went through a bunch of them over a decade ago, but like everything else, the tech has improved. 

If I had $2700 I would buy the Troubador Passive preamp, It appears to be SOTA , but not in my current budget, so I found a Hattor passive on AudioGon and swooped it up.

My hope is by plugging the 105 into it, and opening th 105 volume control,l wide open and use the passive pre VC  to better control volume. Hope to have it by Saturday, then a few days to acquaint myself with its functions and listen to some music
tweak1
3,563 posts
 
what a difference 2 weeks makes. 

I am in the process of reacquainting myself with newest passives

Wish i could afford the best Tortuga ($2700), which appears to be all anyone could want in a preamp. Had I investigated them further I would have gotten one of their ~ $1000 models, as I purchased a Hattor XLR from AGon customer. That said I am excited to receive it, hopefully by Friday
tweak1
3,563 posts
 
oem, I expect you'll be very happy

In the past I have had all tube systems cryoed tubes, all kit differentially balanced. zzwhen you get up into JC 2 territory, I think the differences are slight, but no tubes to worry over, or wait to warm up, or have to turn off...

It seems  a lot of powered sub inputs have not taken output into proper consideration

Also Class D  amplifier chipsets have advanced significantly, but I doubt many powered sub manufacturers are using newest tech

If i do it over I will get passive subs and power with outboard amp/s, or maybe a passive integrated
tweak1
3,563 posts
 
here's an amazing buy: Audio Alchemy DDP-1 with PS 5 power supply (damn near impossible to find separately)

Fully balanced, and includes a terrific DAC
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