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Looking for inexpensive preamp

So here is the current gear
Paradigm Premier 800F most of the time, sometimes KEF R100 for SpeakersArcam FMJ P35 AmplifiersRotel 1066 Pre-amp
I feel the Rotel is currently the weak link.  Does anyone have any thoughts on a good replacement.  Not afraid of used.
I am considering going to the KEF Q750s but that is still down the road.
I like a warmer sound, I like detail but too bright and I can get annoyed.
Music ranges are all over the board.  Disturbed to Stravinsky.  Although no Rap or Opera.  Prefer Folk and acoustic.

Trying to stay under 1k $$$$
schwantner
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
there was nothing the Freya+ did sonically that the Saga+ didn't do equally well or better.
That maybe.
From a technical view point there is quite a difference in favor of the Freya in distortion, noise, output impedance, also the Freya has a 128 step volume control vs the Saga 64 and the Freya's power supply looks more sophisticated, and has two transformers.

Cheers George
colin44ct357's avatar
colin44ct357
122 posts
 
The cheapest way is to purchase a nad amp or such with blown pa.
One with lots of inputs and control with the links to connect pre/power section.
Remove the links and use the preamp.
You will have a retro nad sound to blow your mind.
I love our disposable market!
f917025
81 posts
 
luxman or arcam preamps will be much warmer than rotel which
can sound overly lively and bright like there is oil in the sound,i still like it in certain setups it's very fast and sounds nice like grado headphones very open and sweet.
iv'e auditioned a nad c352 after owning  arcam and rotel integrated amps,the nad is too polite. iv'e ended up with ifi itube as a tube preamp, arcam delta 120 power amp. so id'e recommend the ifi itube 2 350$
moofoo
289 posts
 
Try a used DeHavilland Ultravalve. Check out Kara Chaffee’s Dehavilland website. For years I had a greatly reviewed and very popular tube pre which met my needs. Bought a used Ultravalve and it truly took my system to a different level. Warm, detailed, more realistic sounding (cymbals sounded brassy) and acoustic guitar sounded great.
moofoo
289 posts
 
More robust and full sounding, and better even at low listening volume. It cost less than my other preamp also which was an added bonus. Then again, it is all about component synergy.
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