2. amps-preamps
  3. 119515-74330

Please recommend preamp

I'm new at this but am trying to put together a nice system primarily for a large vinyl collection that can also play CDs and probably either a tuner or cassette player. I will have speakers in two rooms, neither very large. I started with the JBL 4312 speakers from my youth for the bedroom and then bought JBL L150As for the living room for $950.  I just got a QSC RMX2450 amp in excellent condition for $300. I think my next step is a pre-amp. What would be a good bet for around $1000?  I'm hoping to get it right the first time rather than test-drive and buy and sell; really, I just want to listen to my records.
takeum0ut
adg101
1,063 posts
 
I've not dragged one home but at a local store I've listened to the Parasound P5 on an A23 amp on Magnepan 1.7 and it's a nice combination. The P5 is in your budget. ModWright SWL 9.0 would be something to look at but you'd need to pick up a phono preamp such as a Pro Ject unit to get you started and you could move up later to a better phono preamp down the road. Owned MW SWL 9.0 and its a great piece. I'd look at the Parasound.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Makem, if we bought amps just by specs, all of us would buy QSC amps.  However, these were designed for commercial use, not home use.  They are totally abusable and never fail.  I would bet that if you put these side by side with many 100 wpc home amps you would notice a huge difference.  No matter what preamp you buy, you will be limited by the QSC.  I've owned clubs and always used QSC.  I did learn the hard way after melting NAD and Niles gear.  Go compare your amp to a home amp before spending a dime on an expensive preamp.
takeum0ut OP
7 posts
 
elevick, I did buy the QSC from a professional sound guy. Are you suggesting I simply get a different amp so I'll have more choices for the preamp? I had looked at the NAD C165BEE on this site...my QSC amp would "melt" it?

Thanks for your help.


adg101
1,063 posts
 
Looking back at your original post I totally agree with elevick on the QSC. I don't know the JBL 150a but I do know the L100 very well and can only guess they have a similar sound. Not sure with newer more revealing gear you're going to really hear it or might hear the limitations of the older JBLs. Not bashing the JBLs but I'd look at a vintage Marantz 2265B, 2270 or something from that era. What is your current turntable set up? Are you also wanting to run both sets of speakers off the one system? Older Marantz receivers will sound nice and be a good match with the JBLs and I suspect that's the sound you're looking for. Nothing wrong with the pairing.
mesch
3,509 posts
 
If you decide on replacing your amp, you might consider looking into an integrated amplifier. At the price points under consideration here, you would be likely to get a greater return on investment. 

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