Preamp suggestions needed


I am trying to decide on a preamp to go with my Conrad Johnson MF-2200 amp. I also have an Adcom 3 channel pre/pro/amp to run center and rears fot HT. If I understand correctly, I need a preamp with a processor loop, which is what I now have(Adcom GTP-450). I have been so impressed with CJ amp that I would like to have the CJ PFR pre mainly because it is set up with a video loop. However I don't know if I can afford it. Have also considered the Adcom GFP-750. A used one is more in my price range and also has a processor loop. What are some other alternatives for under $1000.00. Would also like a phono stage if possible. Though I don't have a real high end turntable it might be fun to listen to some of those RCA "Living Stereo" albums through a great amp and preamp. As always your advice is appreciated.
One more question: If I get rid of the 3 channel pre/pro/amp and get a 5 ch HT receiver how can I arrange it so I can use my main speakers for the fronts and for stereo also? Is that done through a speaker selector or do I still need a processor loop and just run 3 ch of the receiver for center and rears? Thanks again
artemus_5

Showing 2 responses by sedond

if ewe hook up a h-t surround-processor/receiver to a tape-loop & have the processor/receiver drive only the surround speakers, yule have to use the preamps' wolume control for the 2 main speakers, & the processors' wolume control for the surrounds. if ewe have a dedicated processor loop, it will allow the processor to control the wolume of the two main speakers, even tho they're plugged into the amp(s) hooked up directly to the main audio preamp, not the processor. and, your processor/receiver will have to have a tape input to receive signal from the tape out of the audio preamp.
artemus, the sonic-frontiers pre's, the arc pre's, the vtl pre's have processor loops, dunno what others do, but surely they're out there....

i'd recommend a melos sha-gold/maestro for a toobed pre for ~$1k used, but no processor loop or fono-stage. yule have to control the wolumes separately for h-t, & yule need an outboard fono-stage, but it'll be worth it for sonics at that price-point, imho. the melos does have remote for wolume/balance...

good luck, doug s.