2. amps-preamps
  3. 124084-2436

Looking for the good sounding Pre Amplifier

HI to everyone,
Asking for the advice. This is the third time that I am asking for the advice under different title.
As soon as people read "need quality pre amp for the NAD C275" they just simple ignore title
since the NAD is not "audiophile" amplifier. To me the NAD C275 sound great (maybe it's just me)
but I like the sound. Great dynamics, details, excellent details (CD connected directly to the Amp., but I can't control the volume). Tried with the NAD C165 and Parasound P5 but the sound was congested, no details and one dimensional sound.
Now I am looking for the tube or SS pre amplifier with the great details and clarity.
I was suggested Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE but I need the pre amp. with the REC Out.
I can use either 10 k Ohms fixed input or 100 k Ohms variable input.
I will be using Cardas Clear Light Interconnects.
My budget is $3000.00.
Thank you in advance.

topten
mjmch2003
243 posts
 
I’ve owned Cary, Ayre and Parasound. Ayre was too polite for my tastes...Currently have a Primaluna Dialogue Premium and it is phenomenal. It will not be leaving my rig any time soon.

The used BAT ideas is also worth considering. Excellent soundstage, among other qualities.
mike300zx
1 posts
 
I've had a Conrad Johnson PV10A for over 20 years, matched with SS power amps and the sound is great.  I find the valve preamp softens the SS amps without losing soundstage and clarity.  Bass is warm, but tight and controlled, and the highs are smooth and clean.

If you don't need a phono preamp stage, consider the PV10AL.
t-bon3's avatar
t-bon3
16 posts
 
I'll be the fifth person in this thread to recommend a PrimaLuna preamp.  I was able to find a gently used, excellent condition PrimaLuna dialogue three tube preamp for well under your $3k budget.

I would agree with the others that say that a $3k pre-amp would likely be overkill for your NAD C275, however a solid pre-amp can be the "foundation" that the rest of your system is built around.  
rvnye
21 posts
 
I wouldn't get a preamp at all.  I would get a used Berkeley DAC, version 1 and feed the CD digital out into the Berkeley DAC then the output of the DAC directly to your amp.  The Berkeley has a volume control.  The Berkeley DAC will have a better DAC than your CD player, and you will not loose any detail or dynamics.  I had a Bryston DAC feeding into a PrimaLuna Dialog Premium preamp, then into my amps.  When I replaced the Bryston/PrimaLuna combo with the Berkeley DAC (saved money too) I gained more clarity and dynamics.
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
Since you say you love the sound of your NAD with the CD player connected directly but need a way to control volume, I strongly recommend you try a passive preamp. In all likelihood, it will preserve that sound you love better than any active preamp unless you spend obscene money. I'd look at this:

http://www.tortugaaudio.com/products/ldrx-passive-preamp/

30 day in-home trial with full refund if not satisfied. Don't listen to the passive pre naysayers, just give it a try and see what you think.


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