Greetings , I too have Zu Omens, and would recommend Schiit products . I have a Bifrost, Yiggy , and the Loki . I chose the Rogue RP-1 for a pre . But by the time you get a power cord and NOS 12AU’7’s , it’s too expensive . I rotate a Dennis Had Inspire 12wpc, Marantz 2223B , Sansui 9090, and Dynaco MK III’s. The Omens pair well with clean SS or low power tubes . I would try a Saga and build/buy a pair of the DIY First Watt clones . You will be best served by a pre with a really low noise level as the Omens are such a high DB. Again look at Schiit ! Also on the Loki , I can bump the bass up and don’t need a sub . And when running SS or high gain , I can knock off the top to alleviate brightness. If you can afford the class A Schiit amp , go for it . Look up the article on Schiit at the RMAF 2018. My buddy heard the system and said it was great . And this is from a guy running DeVore speakers and a SET amp . I hope this helps . Cheers , Mike
Best budget preamp for my entry level system?
Greetings everyone. I need some input on the selection of a pre-amplifier.
After years of making the most of and enjoying my existing budget system, I'm kicking in a few dollars to upgrade my system. I'm currently using a Marantz 2215B receiver, a Pioneer PL-550 turntable, a pair of Boston Acoustic CR-9's, an old junky JBL sub, and a bluetooth adapter to connect to my i-phone for streaming audio....
So far I have purchased the following replacement / upgrade components: Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend Speakers, and a Emotiva UPA-200 Amplifier.
>>> Any recommendations on a pre-amplifier? I'm definitely thinking pre-owned, and something around $300. Would want to connect my existing turntable, and a good quality CD player to it in the future. Also like to use my I-phone as a source as well through either a bluetooth adapter, or plugging in directly. I mostly listen to classic rock and rock.
Thank you, any feedback provided would be greatly appreciated!
Rene
After years of making the most of and enjoying my existing budget system, I'm kicking in a few dollars to upgrade my system. I'm currently using a Marantz 2215B receiver, a Pioneer PL-550 turntable, a pair of Boston Acoustic CR-9's, an old junky JBL sub, and a bluetooth adapter to connect to my i-phone for streaming audio....
So far I have purchased the following replacement / upgrade components: Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend Speakers, and a Emotiva UPA-200 Amplifier.
>>> Any recommendations on a pre-amplifier? I'm definitely thinking pre-owned, and something around $300. Would want to connect my existing turntable, and a good quality CD player to it in the future. Also like to use my I-phone as a source as well through either a bluetooth adapter, or plugging in directly. I mostly listen to classic rock and rock.
Thank you, any feedback provided would be greatly appreciated!
Rene