2. amps-preamps
  3. 1140605077

Best Budget Choice for Preamp w/MC Built-In?

Greetings and thanks in advance for all thoughtful opinions! I'm putting together a new 2-channel system and now need a preamp to complete the package. The primary source will be a Thorens TD-320 with Denon DL-103R; I'll play CDs as well, but the line stage capability of the preamp will not be as important as the phono stage. The power amp will be an ATI 1502, which will put out about 220 wpc into the 4-ohm GMA Continuum-1's I picked up here on a'gon. (Actually picked up the ATI here as well!)

Now my budget is $250-300, which I know is tiny and inconsequential, but, well, that's it for now, so my choice is likely to be limited to vintage solid state. The guys at audiokarma have convinced me to consider one of the older Yamaha preamps in the C and CX series. The other model I've read good things about is the B&K Pro-10MC.

Has anyone heard these units and have thoughts about them? Are there other candidates I should know about? I don't care whether it has a remote or not -- I'm looking purely for the best phono sound possible in a single-full-function preamp.

Thanks for all help, Rich
winegasman

Showing 2 responses by bdgregory

bdgregory
1,725 posts
 
I don't know how this compares with the others mentioned above but I have a Sherwood-Newcastle AVP-9080r pre-pro that I use exclusively for Stereo (actually I blew out the digital part - but that's another story). They can be bought for $225 or so, have an acceptable MM/MC phono section (switchable), and a Tuner. It also is remote controllable for all functions.

The best part is it's a surprisingly great sounding 2 channel preamp (digital bypass).
bdgregory
1,725 posts
 
the only help I can offer regarding the B&K Pro 10 is this -

I have and have had lot's of B&K gear and it's all great, especially for the $. I had the CS-117 preamp which is the same vintage, and I believe derived from the Pro-10. I didn't use the phono stage (and I know it didn't have MC), but the preamp was quite nice sonically - incredibly nuetral which is more than I can say for other pre's I tried in that same vintage and price range (Adcom, Parasound). It was also dead quiet.
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