Best preamp 2k or under, new or used


So, here's what I got...

Nht classic 4, McCormack dna1, McCormack rld1, jkdac32.

The speakers, amp, and dac, were items, that once placed in my system, I was 'done!'. I knew I found what I wanted out of each, and love all three.

Preamps, however, have been a problem. Here's what I've owned...

Parasound p3
Ps audio 7.0
Ps audio pca2
Rowland consonance
Wyred4sound stp-se
Classe cap151 (used a pre in the interim when preamps change)
McCormack rld1

The McCormack rld and classe 151 preamp sections come closest to the sound I want, which is less forceful, more effortless to my ears, fairly transparent, but both suffer from a slightly hard treble, and round under damped bass that has weight, but lacks extension. The wyred, parasound, and Pca2 sounded thin in my system. The Rowland I had high hopes for, and was probably the most disappointing, with a sound that sounded restricted on top and bottom. The ps audio 7.0, actually wasn't bad. Lacks transparency, but makes music. Problem is, with volume set to 2, it was too loud for late night listening.

So, here's the question. New or used, tube or solid state, does anyone know a good preamp in the 2k or under range that sounds open yet full, with smooth treble and good extended bass?

The only feature I want is remote control (I am not lazy, I just don't like to leave the spot I'm listening to music from).

Any suggestions supplied with some minimal input would be greatly appreciated.
backgroundblur

Showing 5 responses by backgroundblur

Did not think of attenuators. Looked at the modwright. I'll check out the Manley this week, if a dealer has a used one or demo. Don't like using dealers to demo, only to go home and buy used elsewhere. But that Manley wasn't even on my radar. I'll do some homework on it. Thanks.

The Capri might work, but the cinsinance scared me off Rowland. I'll check with a local dealer on it.
Thatks wescoman. I'll do some homework, even if it means...gag...reading a 6 moon's review (not big on all their hyperbole). Sometimes, I miss writers like J. Gordon Holt.
You know, CJ wasn't on my radar, either. Adding the CJ to my list of homework to do. Thanks for all the input guys!
Thanks for all the recommendations guys. Found a couple dealers that carry Manley and CJ, so I'm gonna start there.

I'll look into the EE minimax as well. Pass is trickier. Found a dealer, but no used, and I don't want to 'audition' their products, when I know I'd have to buy used here to afford it.
I ended up with an eastern electric avant. REALLY digging the music coming out of this thing! I also bought an arcam a31 for nothing, and used it for a while. Both are really nice.