2. amps-preamps
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"Budget" preamp choices.

All right, so here it is: I need a new preamp, preferably $750 or under. The rest of my system is as follows: Rega Saturn - Pass Aleph 3 - AKG K1000. Soundstage, beautiful mids, and detail are my biggest things. I've been considering getting the Rega Cursa, either 2000 or the recent '3' edition, to match my new CD player, but I'm open to all kinds of suggestions. The only restriction other than price are it can't be too tall, as my top-loading CD player already has the top space in my rig. I generally prefer solid state, but if you guys think tubes will add just the right ingredient to complete my rig, recommend away!
meyvn
tpk123
61 posts
 
Seriously consider the Audio Experience Symphonies 2 tube preamp with remote. I just picked one up and it is a giant killer..... $500 NEW... good luck
hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog
183 posts
 
Pre-owned VTL TL2.5, will give you the beautiful mids you crave. If you like the Rega house sound, the VTL will be right up your alley.
simon
53 posts
 
I highly recommend the Ray Samuels Emmeline CA-2 solid state preamp. If you can live with just 2 inputs this preamp competes with units in the 5K range. A brand new CA-2 is only $695. There is an excellent review on this unit from Dick Olsher that provides plenty of information. Very transparent and tonally accurate. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0903/samuelsemmelineca2.htm
herman
2,216 posts
 
"passives lack dynamics" is one of the biggest misconceptions in all of audio. That is a load of bull perpetuated by those who either have only heard them in systems that weren't compatible with them, or just parrot what other misinformed individuals have said.

These individuals insert one in a system that isn't a good match, get poor results, and declare that all passives are inherently flawed.

In the right system they are wonderful. In the wrong system, like any other component, they are not.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I recently replaced my CAT SL2 Ultimate ($8,000) (a "dynamics" champ)with the Placette RVC ($1,000). I did not make the move for financial reasons. The Placette does not lack dynamics when paired with my CAT JL2 Amp (100Kohm input impedance and .85mvs sensitivity). IMHO, in the right set up the Placette can compete with just about any preamp out there. If you want to know if the Placette will work with your Pass Aleph 3, call the owner of Placette - Guy Hummel(?) - he will tell you the truth. Better yet, try the 30-day trial and make up your own mind if it works with your amp.
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