Preamp for Halo A21 and/or B&K ST2140


I have been stalking the boards for some time lusting over a new preamp. My price keeps dropping as reality sets in. I started at $2,500 and am now down to $1,200. I have been looking close at the CJs, primarily PV-14L. I love the looks of the ET2 but it’s slightly above my $range. Are there any other preamps under $1,200 that anyone would recommend over the PV-14L? I see some names I hear a lot about, like Simaudio Moon (P3), Classe (CP-50/CP-60), Quicksilver, and Bel Canto.

I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly classic rock, alt country, folk rock, blues, old school country, some jazz and occasionally classical.  

I have two main requirements:
  • I need a remote since it will be attached to a TV 
  • I need RCA outputs so I can hook up my sub
I haven’t decided if this will grace my main rig or basement rig. In my main system I would put it between my Cambridge 851N and then use the 851N as a DAC instead of a DAC/pre combo. In the basement it would replace a Rotel RC-980BX. My amps are either Parasound Halo A21 or B&K ST2140. Both have an input impedance of 33 Kohms.

I haven’t got full authority to make a purchase yet but I need to be ready when I do :)
treebeard1

Showing 6 responses by treebeard1

@timlub 
I think the 851N is a decent pre and excellent DAC. I just think as a pre it's missing some warmth and sounstaging.  That is were the A21 is connected so plan #1 is to mate the new pre with the A21.  The B&K is my 2nd system and I think replacing the pre in system 2 will yield the biggest gain.  I'm kinda emotionally connected to the B&K because I have had it so long.  It's a pretty good amp in a solid mid-fi system.

@stereo5 
The Rogue is out of my price range.  I saw a Rogue 99 Super Magnum on US Audio Mart but still a little out of my range.  

Also, I forgot to mention but I don't need a phono stage. I will be selling my Rega P3-24.
There were two PV- 14Ls on Agon last night for $800 & $1000 and gone this morning. Damn.

Any A21 owners out there using a pre you love in this price range?
I give up. Just can't afford to maintain two systems. I purchased a Halo integrated and moved the 851N / A21 combo to the basement. I think the integrated sounds better. The wife is happy too. So my upgrade sequence now changes to a sub for the basement and ripping my CDS that aren't in Tidal to FLAC. I'll be selling the Rega P3-24, ST2140 and RC-980BX to raise funds. Thanks everyone. It does feel good to have one system complete so I can concentrate on making the other system shine. 
@milpai 
I'm using an XLR currently with the 851N.  I don't think the A21 is fully balanced, at least I think I read that here somewhere.  I have also read that it depends on the pre.  I don't think CJ even has a balanced pre but they certainly make the single ended work.
I could but I'm not sure that will tell me much.  The XLRs are better quality than the RCAs anyway, so it may jut be a comparison of the cables.
It's not in my budget to upgrade my RCAs now. This seems to be hard theory to prove. The pre could also be playing a role in the  SQ difference.