Need recommendation for a preamp.

I never deal with tubes. So I will feel frustrated when a tube burn out....

A guy is listing a ARC LS3, 95 model. Is it good?

Thanks.
Roy

Roy,

I have an Aragon 8008BB (the pre-Klipsch version) and it has done a great job driving my Thiel 3.6's. I recently bought a BAT VK-20 preamp, and it works beautifully with the Aragon. If you are patient, you should be able to find a used one around $1K or a little more.

Good luck!

Thanks for all your input. Be frankly, most of the brand you guys mentioned are totally new to me. I am new to hifi so my start point is Stereophile recommend list, don't laugh.

I have a Denon 4800 receiver. However, I believe my ears is pretty good and I want to build a good stereo system. I just bought a Aragon 8008. I need to buy a good preamp and a good used CD player as my budget is about $1000 to $1200. I am not very intested to use passive preamp, but I don't need to pay more to get this feature if I choose Adcom.

I do not feel very comfortable to get a used amp, how about your guys?

Thanks.
Roy

I respectedly disagree with Kurt and forever HIfi
I audition the Ls7 AR, and end up buying the LS8
AR,then I audition the adcom, In my system and in
my opinion the gfp is better,Again in my sytem
the adcom is better.I sold the LS8.Its true why
trust reviewer,the best way is audition it.
I did not buy the adcom because its class A, but
its very musical to my system.That the way to
choose equipment, like Robert Harley says,DO
YOUR HOMEWORK. I THINK I DID.

If you are only listening to one source, such as CD's, then by attaching Electronic Visionary Systems (EVS) Ultimate Attenuators onto the amplifier input jacks you eliminate need for one interconnect from the now non-existent pre-amp to the amp, and you may find you have retained all the best of your amplifier performance. Total cost $350, new, or about $200, used. This an instance where price gives no hint of the outstanding sound you will hear. See tweakaudio.com. I got mine used, and have been impressed by its performance enough to champion this cult product hand-crafted by an audio individualist.

Audio Synthesis Passion (Non-remote) is another good "passive" pre-amp. I had the ARC LS2 & LS3 before and the AS passion is the next level up imo, neutral, transparent & dynamic.......... try this link for the Soundstage review http://www.sstage.com/tm_01.htm

Roy, I don't know what your source is, but if it has at least 2v output a passive would work fine for you. Your amp is a great match-up for a passive. The Bent audio tvc or the Placette models are the best (used) in your price range and will compete with active pre's costing $1,000's more. I have the Bent Audio passive in my system and went with it over the Placette because I wanted balanced connections on my Krell amp, the Placette is much more money for balanced. They are both very good passive's. You can read reviews for both at the audio asylum forum. Passive's are only great if they match-up well with: source/amp/speakers in your system, mine does in my system. (Sony XA777es-Bent Audio passive-Harmonic Tech. truth-link cables-Krell ksa-250 amp-Vmps super tower/r speaker@91db.) hope this helps.

I agree with foreverhifi2000..

I will be honest and state that I have not heard any of the preamps that you mentioned. (Although I had heard older Adcoms, and was never impressed). However, I have had an ARC LS-2 preamp for many years, purchased used also, and it is one of the best, most neutral sounding preamps I have heard. You can probably pick one up for way less than a grand. The only downside, is that you will not get a remote. (The remote version is VERY rate, and VERY expensive!) I purchased this as a stopgap measure figuring I would trade up at some point. Never have yet.

Good Luck in your search.

If it's the Cary SLP-50 referred to above, it is a very nice little preamp. Since you are interested in passive, you might want to give a Placette Passive linestage a try. I think the used price is still around $900, if you can find one. You should be able to audition a used one and recoup your investment if it's not to your liking. The linestage comes with a remote control that does not adversely affect the sound quality and has three inputs and two outputs standard. They also make a RVC, remote volume control, that is a single in/out and is around $700 used. It is the same volume control as in the linestage and also is remote controlled.
info link

Check out the Eastern Electric MiniMax. I have had Spectral, Hovland, Audible Illusions, passive attenuators, Copland, Audio Research LS1, LS7,...you get the idea. I love the presentation this little gem gives. It's easy for tube rolling. The value this unit gives is simply amazing. Bill O'Connell at the Morningstar Imports has a wealth of knowledge (and a Hovland too) when it comes to tube rolling. I bought mine from Galen Carol Audio in San Antonio. He is an extremely fair person to deal with and a lot of fun to boot. I believe the website is eeaudio.com. Check it out. A lot of fun and fantastic sound for the money.

I have no affiliation with any company mentioned above.

Have sold both on a retail level for years. My advice?...skip em both and have better sound! Even old Audio Research LS2,LS5, LS7, etc, used sound better with good tubes in em! For $500-$750, you could get much better sound than the ones your describing. Also, if you can find that Cary piece that was around $1200 a couple of years back, that would be the best for your money by far! The ones you mentioned are average at best...don't be suckered in by the "Class A" rating on the Adcom...someone got paid trust me.