2. amps-preamps
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Help me buy a magical pre-amp that doesn't exist

I'm looking for a pre-amp, to go along with my new Behringer A500, with quite specific requirements. So far, it seems that this magical pre-amp does not exist, mostly due to the first requirement

-Costs in line with the Behringer. I will be selling a Rotel RA-02 Integrated amp so I'll have a budget of about $300-500, give or take as I'm willing to throw in some other money too if needed, to work with.

-Good sound, obviously. Neutral, no hiss.

-Solid state. I tend to leave my amps on 24/7 so tubes are frowned upon for this reason.

-Remote control. My laziness demands it.

-Balanced outputs/(at least one) input. I would prefer to run completely balanced, since I'm going into a pro crossover to separate my speakers and bass bins, then to the A500.

-Reasonable cosmetics. I hate the 80ies look. This puts Linn gear I've seen in a bad light that fits pretty much every other requirement.

-MC phono stage! Ooh, I bet you guys all hate me now. There go 99% of the candidates.

-A 12v trigger would be nice too, but it's not a make-or-break feature.

So far, through research and recommendations I've come up with the following, in order of price:

Classe Thirty
Linn LK-1
NAD 116
Classe Five

Anybody know of others? Any thoughts between these four?

The NAD fits every requirement but might not sound as nice as the others. It's also a lot harder to find! Some suggestions or comments would be so greatly appreciated!
nayr2

Showing 5 responses by nayr2

nayr2 OP
5 posts
 
I see a lot of tube gear and nothing remotely answering my question, though I appreciate the responses.

I realize it's a tall order, but I even listed four pre-amps myself that are close to the mark, so it's not a dream. Does anybody have any comments on the preamps I listed? Any other suggestions besides tube gear?

Thanks!
nayr2 OP
5 posts
 
Please stop pushing your own products that in no way fit what I asked for help finding, nor recommending pre-amps not even remotely in my price range!

I'm using a mid-fi integrated amp as a pre-amp, so it won't take much to see an improvement.

For $300-500, I've listed four amps I've had recommended to me on other sites that fit most, if not all, of the requirements; So again this is not a unreasonable question. Just one with uncommon answers.

I would appreciate anything I could add to the list, or opinions on the preamps listed. Thanks!
nayr2 OP
5 posts
 
I don't mean to be hostile, and apologies for the impression. Internet. There is some frustration however, as I said, with people ignoring the question to sell their own products, or telling me it's impossible even though I mentioned 4 suggestions I received from other forums.

The B&K looks pretty good, if I can find one at that price. Combine with a MC phono stage and I've got what, thanks for the suggestion!

I'm getting more and more tempted by a Classe 30 for sale locally. Any comments on it?
nayr2 OP
5 posts
 
The "pushing your own products" comment was mostly due to the half dozen dealer emails I have received privately.

Thanks to everybody that provided an on-topic answer! It honestly is very appreciated! I ended up finding a pre-amp that suited every requirement I asked for, for about $350.

The magic beans were in my shorts, glad I found them. You can come rub them for luck, next time you're looking to buy something.
nayr2 OP
5 posts
 
:)

I'm getting a Classe 30 locally; Gonna go pick it up in a day or two. Has balanced ins and outs, MC phono stage, a remote, and it looks pretty classy. Pun intended. I'm even assured it has a 12v trigger, though I can't find confirmation on this anywhere else.

The NAD 116 I was recommended also fits every request, but seems impossible to find!
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