2. amps-preamps
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Used Preamp on a budget advice please.

I’m currently running a top of the line Yamaha AVR as my preamp in a system consisting of a Threshold S500/II, B&W 802 S2 and B&W 801 S2 speakers, which I swap from time to time. I’m also just using a Yamaha DVD player as a CD player, but am planning to buy an older, higher end CD player as well. I also use a PC with iTunes running to an Audioengine D1 DAC. I also have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable and would need to a phono amp for the products listed below.

I’m going to add an older preamp (with remote) for 2 channel to try to extract more definition, depth, etc, and to try to warm up the sound (the plan is to add a passive, high quality RCA switch to choose between preamp and AVR). I have a limited budget of up $700 and have been doing lots of looking. It appears that for my budget and need for a remote control, older pre/pro’s may be the best approach. I’m curious if anyone has any advice, opinion, or ideas on my approach and the following preamp possibilities:

Classe SSP-300
Classe SSP-75
Classe SSP-30 MK II
Cary Cinema 6
Simaudio Moon Stargate
Parasound C2
Krell Showcase PR
Krell KAV-250P

Thanks!
dastro

Showing 3 responses by gregkohanmim

gregkohanmim
153 posts
 
Dastro - Your philosophy and approach is absolutely sound.

In almost every respect the very best deals on used 2ch stereo preamps on the market today might just be older extreme high-end pre/pro's that lack HDMI and modern processing formats.

I think that adding an SSP-300 into your existing system might be an interesting experiment.  Also, with the vast array of hookups and routing options, you should be able to forego that passive RCA switcher and run the Classe and the Yamaha together without need for another piece of equipment.

Greg
gregkohanmim
153 posts
 
"Greg, do you know how I would be able to connect the AVR to the SSP-300? I'm not quite sure what inputs I would connect it to."

Dastro - I'd have to check the manual for the SSP but I think that it allows for HT type bypass as does the CP series (manual is online). - Otherwise, you'd probably need to look at the manual and connections on your Yamaha to see what's possible (you'd need preamp inputs - totally bypassing the processor/ volume, etc).

I think that the weirdest part of this potential setup that you're pursuing is the fact that you're utilizing the amps in the AVR so you really don't get to bypass it completely with a new pre/pro.

Still I'd look at your manual and see what's possible but I'll bet in the end you might end up w/ either 2 dedicated systems or at least going w/ separates.

At the end of the day, however, the older processor that are pre-HDMI are insanely cheap for a high-end 2CH setup - incorporating that into a modern AVR, however, that's a different thing altogether...

Still worth some research and experimentation IMHO.

Greg



gregkohanmim
153 posts
 
"Greg, I'm not using the amps in the AVR, I have separate amps. I'm only utilizing the Yamaha currently as a pre/pro."

Ah - That being the case - use your AVR for video and audio processing for surround only and run all audio pre-outs from it to the SSP and then the SSP to your amps with all of your sources connected to it and you're done.

Simple!

Greg
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