Pre-amp for Parasound A21+ & B&W 803 D3


Good morning. I am looking to upgrade from my system to use my NAD C658 just as a DAC/streamer rather than an all-in-one preamp. Currently it feeds a Parasound A21+ amp powering B&W 803 D3 floor standers. Adding in the dedicated preamp would necessitate adding in a phono stage but I consider that largely outside the scope of this request. I have reached the decision paralysis phase of searching so wanted to get some suggestions. Unfortunately there are no good audio stores within a 2 hour drive of where I live, so largely will have to choose based on features/reputation/recommendations. Help appreciated!

 

Considering/considered (but am ABSOLUTELY open to other suggestions outside these):

  • NAD M66 (replace the C658 altogether)
  • Parasound JC2 BP
  • McIntosh C8 (tube) or C49 (SS)
  • Rogue Audio RP-7
  • Benchmark LA4

 

Current equipment:

  • Pro-ject Carbon EVO turntable with Sumiko Wellfleet stylus
  • NAD C658 DAC/streamer/preamp
  • Parasound A21+ amp
  • B&W 803 D3 speakers

Budget: up to ~$5k but there is flexibility in this for the right piece

Location: USA (Alabama)

Room: 14.5 ft wide x 13.3 ft deep x 9 ft tall, treated with GIK Acoustics panels and curtains

andrewmland

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

The Parasound P7 was the best preamp short of the JC series.  Highly recommended.