2. amps-preamps
  3. 161495-145653

Suggest an entry - midrange Preamp (tube as well as SS) for a McIntosh power amp

Starting a new thread to get some suggestions on what would be a good preamp for my new McIntosh MC152 power amp. Currently its connected to my Rotel RA-12 and powering KEF LS50s. I plan to upgrade the speakers down the line to either something like the Evoke 50s or B&W 805D3 (still debating between their sound sig.).
My preference tends to be more towards warm, non-harsh top end with a little sparkle and good controlled bass. I do like the Rotel sound honestly, but it being an Integrated, I plan to move it to do duties in another room. I would prefer to have a DAC built in, but if its a good Analog only tube preamp, I’m open for it. Needs to have a remote control and preferably a sub-out along with pre-outs.
Right now on my radar are:
Parasound P6
Rogue RP1
Schiit Saga or Freya +
Given the damage I just took from the McIntosh purchase, I’m trying to get by with as low as possible price wise. So unless its really worth the extra spend, I’d like to stay closer to $1-1.5k USD range.

On a different note, is okay to use a Y-splitter on the Pre-out to feed to the sub and the power amp? Or will this degrade the signal or mess anything with the input impedence on the sub or the power amp?
sr20022002
lordrootman's avatar
lordrootman
379 posts
 
Since you’re familiar with Rotel 
look for RC1590 Preamp sounds amazing 
I choose it over Parasound P6 
you’re going to find  a gentle pre own around  800-1500
pops
2,275 posts
 
Check out dehavilland ultra verve 3.  Big, bold, versatile in terms of driving low impedance SS amps.  
sr20022002 OP
15 posts
 
@woodhart @jnorris2005 @allenf1963 Thanks for sharing your experience with the Schiitt gear. I’m super tempted give the price, just not sure if I should instead get a SS preamp first that has a Dac built in and then add Freya later for the tube sound. It’s a tough call 

@mrklas I’ve definitely heard of Simaudio, its just that its way outside my price range, I’m trying to say south of $1.5k 

@georgehifi I’ll ping that user about the tubes, thanks for the tip! 

@mcmvmx Will check that one out, not heard of it before. 

@lordrootman Will that Rotel make that much of a difference though? From my understanding the only difference is I think upgrade from the Wolfson (WM8470 maybe?) to a different DAC. I’m trying to know if its a sizeable upgrade. 

@pops Thanks will check it out

Appreciate all the suggestions. I’ll do some homework now based on the recommendations and come back to this topic
sr20022002 OP
15 posts
 
update ...

what are your thoughts between Parasound P6 and Rotel RC-1572?
The P6 seems to have a lot of bass management and crossover control not sure if that’s good or would just add more coloration to the signal feeding into the MC152.

Also what can I expect from the built in Dacs, the ESS 9018k2m in the P6 vs the AKM (not sure which model) in the Rotel. Are either of them know for a particular signature ? I like the warm sound of my current Rotel which uses Wolfson 8470 Dac chip I believe 
ebm
9,311 posts
 
PASS and VAC.
More to discover