2. amps-preamps
  3. 1218898814

Preamp Suggestions??

Hi. I've recently begun moving from the "big box" crapiophile-level equipment to mid-fi audiophile equipment. I am a 2-channel listener only, so no A/V needs. I currently use an Adcom GFA-555 200 wpc power amp, an Arcam Alpha 8SE CD player, an Adcom GTP-500II preamp/tuner, and KEF Reference 103/4 tower loudspeakers. I use fairly nice Audioquest solid speaker cables and interconnects (Glowpower Zyxt interconnects from preamp to amp). It has been suggested that my next step up the hobbyist ladder should be to upgrade the preamp & move to a separate tuner. Again, this is just hobbyist fiddling, as the system sounds great as is. Is there a particular standout in the budget (under $500 used) preamp market?? Many thanks.
klipschking

Showing 4 responses by mingles

mingles
800 posts
 
I agree with Elevick. A preamp isn't going to do much without changing your amp. Nothing can tame that Adcom GFA-555. It has a lot of power, but it's like a bull in a china shop. A tube amp, on the other hand, will offer a midrange warmth that sounds more like the musicians are in your room. It will also smooth things out and make your system more listenable and less fatiguing.

Adding a tube preamp to a low end solid state amp won't achieve the same results. I've tried. Many people say it does, but it's wishful thinking -- especially with an Adcom.

Your KEF 103s are 92 dB efficient, so you don't need a lot of power. 50 watts is plenty. If I were in your shoes, I'd sell the Adcom gear and put the money toward a tube integrated. IMO, an integrated gives you a better bang for the buck in this price range. You also eliminate a set of interconnects and a power cable. Stay away from the tube hybrids. Here are some suggestions:

Jolida JD-302B
Jolida JD-502B
Primaluna Prologue One
Cayin A-50T
Antique Sound Lab
mingles
800 posts
 
08-19-08: Mrjstark
Onix SP3 Melody. Beautiful integrated amplifier.
I see one in the classifieds now for dirt cheap. I'd look into it. Check out the 6Moons review. Here's the distributer's website with a tiny bit of info on the SP3: http://www.melodyhifi.com/SP3.html
mingles
800 posts
 
Preamps in the sub $500 range go quickly. You have to be ready to act quickly if you want to get a good deal.

I see a Rogue Metis in the classifieds right now for $450. This is a well regarded tube preamp that includes a phono section and remote control. It will add some warmth to your SS amp and be a nice foundation to build on. If I were in your shoes I'd jump on it. Live with it for a month and do back-to-back comparisons with your Adcom GTP-500II. That should give you plenty of time to hear the difference. There's a nice review of the Metis at 10 Audio
Will I also need a tube tuner??
I think you're referring to biasing, but maybe you literally mean a tuner. FWIW, tube preamps don't need to be biased, but tube amps do. Instructions are usually included with the unit.
mingles
800 posts
 
If you like DIY kits, the Bottlehead Foreplay is unbeatable for $450. It's certainly not swanky looking, but the sound is what counts and you'll learn a lot by building it. Check out this forum:

best bang for the buck tube preamp?

If a kit isn't your idea of fun, there's a Foreplay in the classifieds right now for 450:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1224622962

Another suggestion is Dynaco Pas 3. This is well-regarded classic with a huge following. I see one in the classifieds right now :

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1224699063
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