If you can stretch just a little, I saw a Forte Model 2 for sale for $400 obo at a neighboring website. It also has a mm/mc phono section. I know I broke the bank, maybe you can work a better deal. Not many alternatives under $300 other than those mentioned above.
best budget pre used
Hi all...
i'm looking for advice on which pre might sound best w/my setup consisting of:
b&k st-140 > maggie MMG / mirage sfx-8 sub
I plan (eventualy) on getting a benchmark DAC-1 as my front end and bypassing a preamp entirely, but I need something to get me through for a while. anything at all will be an upgrade from what i'm coming off of.
so, anything in the sub $300 range will do. I see plenty of cheap rotels going for under $150, but i have to wonder.
thoughts?
would a b&k pre be best suited to the ST-140?
a tube pre? I'm eyeing a few within my pricre range. I love the tube sound, but I hear this ST-140 is warm sounding on its own and would rather have something clean and clear ahead of it.
thanks...
I apprecaite all of the great advice given to me over the last month or so.
i'm looking for advice on which pre might sound best w/my setup consisting of:
b&k st-140 > maggie MMG / mirage sfx-8 sub
I plan (eventualy) on getting a benchmark DAC-1 as my front end and bypassing a preamp entirely, but I need something to get me through for a while. anything at all will be an upgrade from what i'm coming off of.
so, anything in the sub $300 range will do. I see plenty of cheap rotels going for under $150, but i have to wonder.
thoughts?
would a b&k pre be best suited to the ST-140?
a tube pre? I'm eyeing a few within my pricre range. I love the tube sound, but I hear this ST-140 is warm sounding on its own and would rather have something clean and clear ahead of it.
thanks...
I apprecaite all of the great advice given to me over the last month or so.
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- 10 posts total
In my opinion the best pre you will get for that price is the Space Tech Lab QA001. http://www.space-tech-lab.com It Is a true giant killer. Check the site. Also do a search under Space-Tec-Lab here and at http://www.audioasylum.com/index.html. It is spectacular for the price! |
There is a Cambridge Audio C500 that someone is selling here for $155 including the optional remote control which cost $50 by itself. The C500 is one of the nicest sounding super low cost preamps I've heard, that is modern in features like a remote control, etc. If you can find an old Superfon preamp, it would do nicely also. |
Try an FT Audio or Another Passive Pre .The only way you'll do better is if you get into the $1500+ range. Creek,Channel Island and a few others also make Passives ,but you'll have to match them for gain with your system. I have a B&K ST-202 and was using a pair of Maggie 1.4 before moving on so I have some idea of what will work. Happy Hunting! |
- 10 posts total