If you are open to tubes, the AES AE-3 made by Cary is inexpensive new and a real bargain used. Upscale Audio has them I think with remote control. Great sound especially if you take their advice on substituting the stock tubes. It is a very straight forward pre with all the magic of tubes . I think they can be had for $1200 new.
Help me select a new remote preamp on a budget
Hey all,
So after about 6 years of home theater I've decided to blow it all up and start over with a 2-channel system. So far I've gotten a pair of Martin Logan Electromotions, a McCormack DNA-125, and a PS Audio Digital Link III to go with the VPI Scout Jr and Dynavector phono preamp that I already had.
But - to complete the switch I need a preamp. Given that my gear is currently tending to the bright and clinical side I wouldn't mind something tube or tube-like. I'd also like to keep it around or under $1k.
My other requirements are that it must have a remote, and for wife-friendlyness the remote must be able to select the input. In case I decide to do Home Theater again in the future, I'd also like it to have HT bypass.
Here are the candidates I've identified so far:
Belles Soloist 3
McCormack RLD-1
PS Audio GCP-200
Right now I'm leaning towards the McCormack (if only one would pop up on the used market) but I'm open to entertaining other options.
Thanks!
So after about 6 years of home theater I've decided to blow it all up and start over with a 2-channel system. So far I've gotten a pair of Martin Logan Electromotions, a McCormack DNA-125, and a PS Audio Digital Link III to go with the VPI Scout Jr and Dynavector phono preamp that I already had.
But - to complete the switch I need a preamp. Given that my gear is currently tending to the bright and clinical side I wouldn't mind something tube or tube-like. I'd also like to keep it around or under $1k.
My other requirements are that it must have a remote, and for wife-friendlyness the remote must be able to select the input. In case I decide to do Home Theater again in the future, I'd also like it to have HT bypass.
Here are the candidates I've identified so far:
Belles Soloist 3
McCormack RLD-1
PS Audio GCP-200
Right now I'm leaning towards the McCormack (if only one would pop up on the used market) but I'm open to entertaining other options.
Thanks!
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