2. amps-preamps
  3. 125715-1644

Are there used/mint balanced pre-amp with a few unblanced inputs under $2000??

Need recommendations for a used balanced pre-amp with approximately 3 balanced input  One for a CD player and another  for hooking up a fully balanced amp.  And, possibly, one additional balanced input  I don't need a processor HT loop, nor DAC input and output. I do need a remote, and a very good headphone feature would be great  Phone box or stage could be added. 

Unfortunately, many balanced or mixed balanced and unbalanced pre-amps or line stages offer multiple balanced inputs, and also  several RCA inputs and outputs

They usually lack remote, phone stage and headphone features.  The back of some look like a recording console and the front, a cuckoo clock.    Not for me!!.

I prefer simple and usable  features,  but outstanding sound quality. I have a BAT VK200 amp

I am NOT hopeful such a component is available. However, I have looked at the Copland CT305, Cary SLP202, and a few of the BAT pre-amps in a cursory search     Thank you  

   

sunnyjim
djohnson54
372 posts
 
Jim,  BAT would seem to fill the bill perfectly so not sure if you're leaning away from them.  If not, there's a VK-31 with phono and remote on AG right now for $2000 (no relation to the seller).  If interested, better hurry as someone's (maybe you?) is already asking questions. Dick
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Parasound P7 only has 1 balanced input, but good phono stage and 7.1 balanced outs.  2 multi-channel inputs and 7 line level + 1 phono.

Bryston BP 26C has 2 pairs of balanced inputs, not sure the used cost.

Both include remote control.

Best,

Erik
timlub
1,649 posts
 

Looks like that you have mainly concentrated on Tube Pre's.  I'm sure that you'll bet a lot of options..

In Solid State, here are 3 Huge value pieces,  all 3 can be had for less than your budget.

Audio Research LS9

Coda CP (has phono)

Bel Canto Pre 2 Or Pre 3


tom_hankins
850 posts
 
BAT would be my choice.
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

Thanks to those who responded so far.

To timlub.,  Thanks for the recommendations. I actually owned a Bel Canto Pre 3 about 4 years ago, and loved it, especially its finely calibrated remote control. It did not have a phono stage, or ( I think) head jack or amp.  Its only drawbac is:: when using a fire hose girth speaker cables, they torqued up the pre-amp. off the shelf  rack by an inch or so.  I had it hooked up to a pair of Red Dragon mono blocks class D amps which overtime sounded bright and edgy. I often wondered if "some" of the glare and edge were produced by the Pre 3.  Nevertheless, I decided to downsize to a integrated amp after selling the pre-amp and amps. I will check out the ARC LS-9.   BTW, BAT VK-200 is SS all the way

.

To djohnson54. I  checked a few BAT pre-amps on e-bay l, including the VK-31. Supposedly VK-31SE sounds better. However, i will definitely check out the ad on AG .  

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