2. amps-preamps
  3. 1331906892

Pls recommend preamp for Merlin/Rogue/Wadia setup

Hi, I would be VERY grateful for recommendations for a preamp (and cables if necessary) for the following setup: Wadia 301 CD player, Rogue Magnum M-120 monoblock amps, and Merlin VSMM speakers. I've had these components in the closet for the last 5+ years, before realizing that all I had to do was change the tubes to get it to work again! In the meantime, I've forgotten what little I knew about stereos and stereo equipment. Can anyone recommend a good preamp/cables combo to hook up to this to enable (1) bass adjustment (needs to be increased), (2) running a TV through it, and (3) running an MP3 player through it. I apologize in advance for my ignorance if parts of this question seem stupid, and would be really grateful for some help. Budget is around $1,000, and I am happy to buy used.
robsnod
guppy
133 posts
 
I love my Rogue 99 Magnum preamp. It is a very musical unit with a large soundstage and excellent tonality.
xxqq250
43 posts
 
I am familiar with Wadia CD players. I have a 302 and a 861. If you have a $1000 budget, new or used, I wouldn't recommend getting a preamp. In that price range, nothing will come remotely close to the sound you get from driving your amp directly from the Wadia. You can get better sound with a preamp but you will have to spend several times that amount. For me, to get better sound than the Wadia alone, I use an Aesthetix preamp (I'm sure I spelled that wrong and I'm too lazy to get up and go look). It's my opinion, of course, but I feel that if you can't get something that good or better, you will be disappointed.
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