New to the two channel world - Advice needed on preamp

Hi theaudioninga,

I would read some other threads about preamps to learn more.

In the meantime, I would audition or purchase an older, used preamp from, say, Conrad Johnson or Audio Research.

You have to start somewhere and this would give you a general baseline to compare to what you read about in the various threads.

With CJ or AR you have a piece of gear with a good reputation that could be sold when you decide to try something different.

My opinion, I guess, is that a desired preamp is a journey and you would be lucky to pick one that you love on the first try.

Thanks for listening,

Dsper

Thank you for the info Dspr. I agree. Audio is so personal. I will start with obtaining more knowledge and move forward from there. 

Thank you everyone that responded. Glad to be joining the two channel world. 

You might consider the Benchmark DAC3-L, which is a line preamp and state of the art DAC in your price range new . It has a usb input , 2 coax & 2 optical inputs , and 2 analog inputs . It has a lower noise floor than anything I saw mentioned , with 2 pair of RCA outputs for your amps and subwoofer , and a pair of balanced outputs should you later get a power amp having that professional grade of input . It also sounds fabulous and is reliable, and should you not like it , there will be no problem reselling it .
My opinion .

Another + for the Schiit Freya. Makes MUSIC.

dspr has given you good info. I am partial to CJ myself. however, ARC is a good choice as well. FWIW, I have a CJ PFR which I was waiting till fall to sell. It has been serviced, cleaned and  new  capacitors installed. this was done early this summer. I bought a CJ CT5 which is why I have the PFR. Email me if interested.