Looking for a pre amp


My system is primarily for HT/gaming, but I've been finding myself listening to more and more music lately. Set up is:

JTR 212 RTs
Dual Rythmik G25s
Marantz 8805
Krell Chorus 5200
BS Node 2i

I'm looking to improve my 2 Channel, and don't want to go w/ monoblocks...yet. So, I think my next option is adding a dedicated pre. I was considering the McIntosh C2600, but that seems like overkill for my usage. I'm leaning towards getting an Anthem STR pre amp - heard it once and enjoyed it. Thoughts on this? I don't listen super loud right now (moving in 4-6 months) and I'm primarily punk/hip hop/rock.

Regardless, what pre's do you guys recommend? Budget is ideally $3-4K max. Thanks in advance!
ethos4lyfe

Showing 6 responses by ethos4lyfe

@roberjerman well, i head it on much different gear, so I can't say its a direct comparison...and I've only heard a couple dedicated pre's before, so not even sure what to "look for" LOL. I've been told to use a tube pre + SS amp fro horn speakers...but not sure if that's accurate. I know Anthem does an in home trial, so maybe I'll do that. 
Great, will check it now! I don't need the ARC of the STR, as I have a Mini DSP and my curve is right where I want it. 
@big_greg actually looks like that one does have XLR. sweet. will read some reviews. I can do the anthem I home trial as well, so maybe ill a/b them 
@big_greg will look at that one now - I guess I should have mentioned I'm also looking for XLR inputs on it. 
at this point, im not even sure I fully understand the difference (LOL) or if it will matter for my usage
Yeah I think the modwright doesn't have the dac built in? or maybe it does, ive looked at so many I don't remember. I almost grabbed a primaluna evo, but realized I would also need a dac, so the price kept rising. its really between the anthem and c2600 at this point. they both have a lot of very positive features, with few cons. just need to decide if the Mac is "worth" double the price.