What preamp


Hello

I had been an Audiogon member for a while now and I need help deciding what preamp to buy, Things had been a bit difficult money wise, but I'm an audio enthusiast and I'm trying to put together a decent stereo system. The speaker are Polk Audio RTi-A9 the amp is going to be Emotiva XPA-2 . I'm looking for something to match the amp and speakers, I would like to have something to calm down the bit brightness of the Pollk Audio RT's that I've had heard they have. I'm also looking for balanced out connection aka XLR. All recommendation are always welcome. Thank you

Armando
armandito
Instead of asking a preamp to fix a problem (and adding another coloured component to your system) I would try to dampen the room more if the speakers are too bright. Or change your listening axis. If that doesn't work, sell the speakers.

I believe the best preamp is no preamp. If you can get away with a used DAC with balanced outputs and a volume control (ie. Benchmark, etc.) I think that is the way to go. It won't solve your brightness problems though.
I kind of agree with ddd1. For me, if you can't get a really good preamp, then don't use one. Preamps can be very problematic , but if you can find the right one, I think it will sound better than not having one.

More importantly: "I would like to have something to calm down the bit brightness of the Pollk Audio RT's that I've had heard they have."

Are you kidding? I don't mean to offend, but why would want to fix a brightness problem your speaker has because someone else says they are bright. That's just crazy. What do you think? You're the one that has to listen to them, not someone else.
Thank you jkj25, would you recommend any preamp, my amp has balanced imputs, but the Emotiva preamp doesn't.