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Advice on what preamp to select.

Hello
I picked up two Adcom GFA565 Power Amps recently and would like to get a newer preamp to go with these.  Currently have a Crown IC150.  Have found a Audio Research SP-9 MKII for about $1100 but am considering also the following: Macintosh C series in the range of the 34V or newer, or purchasing a Mac MX series preamp.
The MX 130 looks to have decent reviews just being used as a solid preamp for stereo use and has a phono section which I need.  I know this is a question with no best answer but anyone have experience that they are willing to share?
Thanks
Kent
torchlake99
torchlake99 OP
26 posts
 
 Thanks for the responses!  The Adcom's are mono block amps, not certain what arrangement might be best.  speakers are DQ10's with the DQ sub and crossover. They do like clean power so I am trying this configuration 
this system will not be used for AV purposes. Just music, turntable and cd's are the source  

Like the idea of the SP9 as a hybrid preamp. Reading the phono section is very good. 
Your thoughts and ideas?  I'm sure there are many preamps that would work well.
Trying to keep the cost of the preamp around $1200 or less.  The Mac MX series are affordable because a 5 year old model in the AV world is a  dinosaur and cost are reasonable.  I have been reading that people are happy with the MX just as a stereo preamp. 
Any advice would be helpful

czarivey
4,494 posts
 
sorry forgot that Adcom makes mono amps.
I also like hybrid preamps. i would prefer solid state input(driving) stage and tube output like  Vincent Audio SA 31MK

kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 

This is not going to be of any direct help but I just recently purchased a Vincent  SP-331 MK hybrid amp and I think the Vincent products are very underrated. I'm confident you'll be pleasantly surprised by the performance of the SA 31 MK preamp.

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
OK so getting back to the original posts question. The answer would be a Adcom 565 pre amp, if you can find one, they are a steal at $300 or less ( a great sounding unit for the money). I think the best Tube based preamp like a Audio Research would work some real magic with those mono blocks. A great sounding tube based pre from McIntosh or AR would set you back many thousands of $$. The Solid state AV Macs you refer to are mediocre at best sounding. Find a Modwright SWL 9.0 or a Manley labs J shrimp or a Dehavilland ultraverve lll, or Doge 8! Get something that will inject some real feeling into those Adcoms and DQ10’s! At a great price too!

http://www.stereomojo.com/Doge%208%20Preamplifier%20Review.htm/Doge8PreamplifierReview.htm


http://www.dehavillandhifi.com/UltraVerve-Preamplifier.htm


http://6moons.com/audioreviews/manley6/jumboshrimp.html


http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649074964-modwright_swl_90_se_preamp_signature_edition_outstandin...

Matt M
torchlake99 OP
26 posts
 
thanks all for your input. Like the Vincent but would need a phono section .
What do you think about the Conrad Johnson PV-7?
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