2. amps-preamps
  3. 1222454543

Need rec on $500 preamp

I am looking for a decent preamp around $500 (could be new or used). I might be willing to go closer to $1000 if the performance is really noticable. I am running a Technics 1210 5MG with fluid damper, and a Shure V15 III cart (stock wiring). For digital I am running a Sony 9100 ES (will probably add a Benchmark DAC soon). I don't have a tuner but would like to leave room in the preamp for one later. My amp is a Mcintosh MC 250 and Klipsch Heresey II's for speakers.

Right now I am using an old Carver C-1 for a preamp. It is ok but I am having to clean the pots/contacts out pretty often and now one of the aux inputs has an intermittant channel. Rather than get it fixed I am just looking to upgrade. I am leaning towards the new NAD 162(?) but I thought I would get some opinions here. I don't do much if any processing to the sound so I would like it to be as seamless as possible. Maybe bass and treble controls, but not much more. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
jlc76
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
The NAD looks like a good option unless you need an esoteric brand. I would imagine they sell fairly well but they rarely turn up on the used market. That says something to me.
I've owned a few NAD pieces with good results.
jallen
502 posts
 
Audible Illusions linestage or the M3A, or even the B&K MC101, all good. Jallen
jfacker
85 posts
 
I tried a number of well-built tube pres in your price range (bought used) and settled on a Luminous Audio Axiom passive volume control, plus a Niles AXP-1 source selector switch (5 inputs, 1 output), connected by about 10 inches of cheapo silver-plated copper interconnects a friend built for me. Total cost is well under $200, new, and humbled everything else I used here. The purity of tone, the dimensionality, the openness, the speed of the Luminous unit is truly astounding, even filtered through the no-doubt contaminating Niles unit. I've never needed more gain with music (some movie soundtracks max out the volume knob, but it's pretty loud at that point).

Just my two cents, had to throw it out there, because the Luminous unit (bought used here, with upgraded resistors, for about $80!) has dramatically affected my enjoyment of two-channel listening -- for the better, and for a song (ha ha). Best of luck to you in your audio journey!
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
This one looks very cool - hand-built and only $598:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1226209999&/Audio-Experience-Symphonies-Plus-tube

-RW-
steidlguitars
90 posts
 
I own a Rogue 99 which I like very much. For $550, the Rogue 66 identified by Darkmoebius has got to be darned hard to beat provided you're interested in tubes.

In general, I like NAD too for the money, but I can't imagine it stands a chance against the Rogue.
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