2. amps-preamps
  3. 1331533534

Need preamp recommendation

Hello, everyone-

I recently acquired an older (early 80's) Yamaha PC2002M power amp and am hoping to use it in my 2ch system which I am putting together piece by piece as budget allows. It is a solid state amp rated at 240w/ch at 8 ohms. I was thinking in the direction of a tube preamp but am open to whatever will complement this amp well. Budget is sub-$1000 if possible. Speakers are Goldenear Triton 2 towers. I've so far been looking online at the Rouge Metis, Anthem TLP-1, Emotiva USP-1, and a few others. I haven't auditioned any preamps yet but was curious if any of you had heard any with these older Yamaha amps before. I'm also open to the idea of ditching the separates route and going with a solid integrated amp if I could still stay around a grand. Just really looking for some solid suggestions. Thanks in advance-
renaissanceman9
teeshot
123 posts
 
Hey man how the bass playing? I would go for a Modwright 9.0 preamp and get a new amp later. scott
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jazzerdave
163 posts
 
What inputs does your PC2002M have? All that I have seen only have balanced and 1/4" inputs. You could replace the 1/4" jacks with RCA inputs if you found a preamp you really want for a good deal, but if you don't want to make a switch like that, you'll probably have to concentrate on preamps with balanced outputs.

To my knowledge, the Rogue, Anthem, and Emotiva models that you mentioned do not have a set of balanced outputs. You can usually find an Audio Research LS-2 in your price range. I like mine, but it's not really a tube preamp. There's a single 6DJ8, but it's not a preamp that I would describe as having that "tubey" midrange bloom.
renaissanceman9 OP
14 posts
 
Hi Teeshot- Bass playing is going well, thanks! :) That Modwright looks super-sweet but it's unfortunately out of my price range. I'd probably need to find a used one...

Hey Jazzerdave, just now seeing your posts. You are correct; the PC2002M has both unbalanced 1/4" inputs as well as balanced XLR inputs. Is it imperative I utilize the balanced in's? Could I just use RCA->1/4" cables and use the unbalanced in's, instead? Would I sacrificing significant performance or sound quality? I did notice that none of the pre's I mentioned had balanced outs, but just assumed I'd connect in the aforementioned manner. That LS-2 looks really nice, as well. I've never seen those before...

Thanks for the input so far, guys-
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