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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2014 18:13:46 GMT
One of my next purchases will be a pre-amplifier.
My current system comprises of the following:
Modified SL1200 Mk II feeding a Graham Slee Reflex M phono stage Pioneer PD-S703 or Arcam Alpha 7SE Arcam Alpha 8R (pretending to be a pre-amp) Graham Slee Proprius mono block amps. Cyrus CLS70 speakers.
I want to replace the Alpha 8R with something more appropriate, and if I am honest I don't want to spend £1600 on a Graham Slee Majestic DAC/Pre Amp.
I have been looking at active pre-amps, but don#t have a preference for new or second hand. Value for money, whilst obtaining a good level of sound quality is my main driver. However, I have never heard many of the pre-amps I have just spotted on eBay, such as the Musical Fidelity A3CR, A308CR and the P100. There is also an Exposure XVII, not to mention the Project Pre-box RS. I'd like a remote, but don't want to worry too much about little fingers getting burnt on valves, so I think a SS pre would be better for me. Dual mono seems readily available as well.
Any suggestions for something that would work well, and is potentially the audio bargain of a lifetime? 
Balanced outputs would be nice, but not essential.
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Post by Eduardo Wobblechops on Oct 22, 2014 18:25:09 GMT
Get in touch with Nick (Lurcher) and discuss your options with him. Whatever he builds you will be world class at your budget.
Send me your email and I'll give him a shout for you if you like.
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Post by MartinT on Oct 22, 2014 18:26:27 GMT
How about a Parasound Halo P5? They make some very good kit with the help of John Curl, renowned circuit designer. Seems like a potential future-proof model just on the £1000 mark or perhaps less if you could find a used one. Balanced, too. |
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Post by pre65 on Oct 22, 2014 18:31:24 GMT
Get in touch with Nick (Lurcher) and discuss your options with him. Whatever he builds you will be world class at your budget. Send me your email and I'll give him a shout for you if you like. I agree with Eduardo.  |
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Post by John on Oct 22, 2014 18:38:01 GMT
Stay away from P 100 horrible pre amp IMO
Croft made some nice preamps
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2014 19:02:55 GMT
Get in touch with Nick (Lurcher) and discuss your options with him. Whatever he builds you will be world class at your budget. Send me your email and I'll give him a shout for you if you like. I agree with Eduardo. Thanks guys. I'll have to set a budget before I talk to Nick, if not, I may get carried away!
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Post by Sovereign on Oct 22, 2014 20:17:43 GMT
Yes.talk with Nick Gorham or Glenn Croft makes cracking ore amps, and the valves are in the case so no rest of little ones getting burned. I just bought a second croft pre, no idea what it is but it sounds very spcial. Idsay Nick G or Glenn C are your men to speak to
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2014 11:24:17 GMT
Out of interest, will a "budget" (about £1k Max, less if possible) preamplifier make a lot of difference compared to using the pre outs on my Arcam Alpha 8R?
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Post by MartinT on Oct 24, 2014 11:30:44 GMT
The Parasound I gave as an example most certainly would. The preamp section of integrated amps are mostly quite poor in comparison, it tends not to be where the money is spent.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2014 11:50:32 GMT
Thanks Martin.
I looked at the P5, but it seems that there is an on-board DAC and phono stage. Since I am planning on a Caiman MkII, it may be better for me to channel the cash into a better preamp stage? The Parasound 2100 looks interesting though. |
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Post by pre65 on Oct 24, 2014 11:57:57 GMT
How far are the power amps from the pre amp ?
Where are you located ?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2014 12:00:06 GMT
I use a 2m and 5m interconnect. I am in Toulouse, France. |
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Post by MartinT on Oct 24, 2014 13:01:50 GMT
Peruse eBay for a nice older Krell or similar? Try to ascertain whether it's internally balanced, which would indicate a good circuit. Alternatively, try a P5 before you buy a Caiman?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2014 14:04:02 GMT
Whilst on eBay, I saw a NuForce P8 (which Jerry pointed out)and a Sugden AU-41.
There is also a Krell, but I have heard that they run a bit hot, which must affect component life?
The Halo P5 seems interesting, as it has a 45 day no quibble return policy.
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Post by John on Oct 24, 2014 14:07:25 GMT
That quite a good period to access
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Post by ChrisB on Oct 24, 2014 23:04:20 GMT
From the point of view of a feeling of solidity and security in your purchase, one of the best possible used buys has got to be a Bryston - they come with a 20 yr guarantee. Every system I've heard with a bit of their kit in it has sounded good.
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RMutt
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Post by RMutt on Oct 25, 2014 11:38:29 GMT
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RMutt
Rank: Soloist
Posts: 13
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Post by RMutt on Oct 25, 2014 11:42:44 GMT
Ha ha, I seem to have liked my own post. I was looking to edit and make the web address a hot link and inadvertently pressed the thumbs up! Sorry you will have to copy and paste.
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Post by pre65 on Oct 25, 2014 12:05:13 GMT
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RMutt
Rank: Soloist
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Post by RMutt on Oct 25, 2014 12:17:31 GMT
Yes, that's the one. Thanks. I seem to have gone all inept today.
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