2. amps-preamps
  3. 1235887955

inexpensive preamp for Ayre V3 with Green Mountain

I am working on a budget with Green Mountain Europa speakers. They are great speakers and given the space I am working with, a really good match. My challenge now is to find the right amp/pre-amp combination that fits my budget.

I have settled an Ayre V3 amp and will spend most of my cash on it. I need an inexpensive pre-amp to provide volume control with a remote. Of the sub-$1000 solid state pre-amps, does anyone have a recommendation? I need 2 inputs, balance out, and a set of single end pre-outs for subwoofer. Current bargains on Audiogon include:
NuForce
Celeste Sim Audio
classe cp60
bryston bp 25
proceed Pre
Music Fidelity A3
Audio Refinement
Creek

Lots of options - opinions or feedback based on experience will be appreciated.

thanks!
drewh1
ferrari
617 posts
 
Forgot to menetion the Pass Labs Aleph P preamp and is every bit the measure of any ss pre I have heard. Carefully and astute shopping you might get a non remote unit for near price you have in mind. Has RCA and Balanced in and out connectors for each selection. Seldom come up for resale though. Heavy unit at 35 pounds case work milled out solid aluminum stock. If it had a on board phono section I would have one. New it sold for $4,000.00
coffeey's avatar
coffeey
363 posts
 
non remote Pass for sale right now
rufipennis
118 posts
 
Drewh1, My suggestion is to go with an AX-7e. Check out this system:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vopin&1196391062
I've communicated with this audiophile and his AX-7e has plenty of power to drive his GMAs (though note his room is small). More than enough power for him - he listens with the volume at 15-20 indicated whereas I usually listen at 35-40 with my Vandersteen 2s (86 dB) in a medium-large room (clipping is at around 45-50 in my system). If you search the audioasylum archives, I believe you might find a post wherein Charles Hansen implies (or explicitly states?) the AX-7 is better than the V-3.
drewh1 OP
92 posts
 
Rufipennis,

Thanks man, I think you are absolutely right - I am on a mission to find a used AX-7. Do you know if the 7e is much different from the 7?

thanks for the concise opinion, I need to hear it.

drew
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
Nothing on your list will likely beat that used Sonic Euphoria balanced pre from MSS Audio right here on the Gon. No affiliation, just a happy SE owner. And it should work fine with your Ayre amp.

Shakey
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