Pre Amp for a PA-7?

Your budget is around $1000? In that era I’d look at an Audio Research LS3 if you’re looking to stay with solid state. Never heard a PA7 but know the PA5. Later LS3’s has a remote option but don’t come up too often as the the option was $500. Very revealing preamp. If you’re at all open to tubes read up on the ModWright SWL 9.0 SE. Not heard one, but the Schitt Freya + gets a lot of great press which is current with remote.

I am a recent purchaser of a CA-7 and PA-7 combo. My previous amp was a Nakamichi TA-4A. The speakers I’m running are not known for their bass output. (Avalon Avatars) If anything, I’ve found improved bass and greater all around detail with this combination. I think the seller does not know what he’s talking about.

The CA-7 has an amazing phono section and I’m told the same holds true for the CA-5 & CA-5II.

My only complaint about the CA-7 would be that the OEM remote feels delicate. (Mine had a crack in the IR window plastic) You’re not stuck to that remote as the Harmony remote system supports the CA-7.

seller is dishonest I believe.

I would find one from someone else. Has balance, and 3 tone controls, lots of inputs, both MM and MC phono (you of course can use external), two tape loops, two outputs, nice!

Seems missing remotes can be acquired, but a complete collection of box/manual/power/remote indicates careful ownership, ...

One seller said 'two buttons missing', 'typical of these', enough to clarify if any signs of trouble from one you may buy.

Duh! How did I not realize that until now PA/CA7, PA/CA5, I still like the minimalist CA5 :)

For well under $1K, there’s lots of nice preamps to choose from on USAM now. Classe DR4L, Electrocompaniet Ampliwire IIa, Forte Model 2, Acurus L10, Nakamichi CA5, Aragon 24K, Threshold SL10 and a few others if you’d like to get into tubes. I personally love the combination of a tube preamp with a SS amp but any of the above mentioned should work great too. If the desire is to stay with all Nak setup, than the choice is simple; and that CA5 is mint too! If you are interested in exploring other combinations, I’ve owned the Aragon and Classe and have heard the Forte as well. Another really great sounding under the radar preamp, if you can find one, is the Museatex AVC-1. Lots of really good choices here….

I hear you about the love of the hunt.  Currently living overseas now, but if I were back in the US, I’d seriously consider buying the Nak PA/CA5 stack, the Electrocompaniet stack and the Musical Design amp & pre that are on USAM just to hear them all.  There are just so many flavors of ice cream that I’d like to try :)

Most likely the seller got a better offer than what you were going to pay. His story sounds like BS. If you are set on that preamp you should check out other ones that are for sale!

Thank you Lou, excellent observations and definitely agree that it makes sense for a manufacturer to build the best match possible between their own gear. But the different generations do seem to have some different characteristics for better or worse. 
 

I’m not opposed to a CA-5, just thinking 7 with 7, oh and a remote. But likely end up with a CA-5 or something similar when all said on done. 

Looks are desirable, but quality is key. So then it comes down to best bang for the buck.  Budget? Would be nice to find a good fit/match for under $1k. 

You may be correct on the favor piece….

But a big part of it for me is the love of the hunt.  
One for garage, living room, and sitting room.  
 

thanks again for the great feedback. 

Everything in audio is about synergy between components. Having owned Nak cassette decks but not their separates, I can’t comment on the authenticity of his remarks, other than to say - the Nak preamps were built to augment and work with their power amps. Why would any manufacturer of audio gear that offers amps and preamps design them not to work well together?

I would ask him what else he is using in his setup. Maybe his speakers are poorly placed, too high up in the air and therefore, not giving enough bass? Maybe there is something else in the audio chain, like ICs or speaker cable that prohibit bass or perhaps the amp he’s using with the CA7 doesn’t produce a lot of bass?

I appreciate the sellers honesty, I just think that finding out what else is in his system may lead you to why he made that remark about the preamp not having bass. Also, perhaps there’s something wrong with the preamp too?

Personally, I like the more minimalist CA5 preamp over the CA7; however, if I owned the PA7 or PA5, I too would be looking to partner it with a Nak preamp as well.

I just realized he has the PA7A preamp.  I think it also is a very good idea to research Nak preamps.  I think the earlier CA5 and CA7 may be better than the later 5A and 7A, not sure?  He may have just done you a huge favor not selling it to you?  BTW, what is your preamp budget?