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Looking for an used, inexpensive pre amp

Currently using a cheap but fairly nice sounding Dayton T120 D class amp.  Not enough inputs.  I would like to find a pre amp to use with this amp and perhaps at some point, if I can find the money, I can buy a power amplifier to replace the Dayton.

Figure my budget to be under $200 right now.  Looks like plenty of older inexpensive Solid State pre amps are available on Ebay.  

Any ideas what I should look for when buying a preamp?  I've only used Integrated amplifiers up to this point.  
will62
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
good circuit design

remote

adequate control facility to meet your needs
reubent
3,587 posts
 
How many inputs do you need? What sources will you be using?

Schiit Audio makes the SYS 2-input passive and it's $49. However, if all of your sources are digital, you could also possibly use the Schitt MODI 2 DAC that has USB, Optical and coax inputs. The MODI 2 is $99.

I've never hear or used either, but they get good reviews.
auxinput
1,538 posts
 
It's really hard to find a good used preamp in the $200 range.  You won't find anything substantial until you get to the $300-400 area.  That being said, if you are on a tight budget, maybe an Adcom GTP-450?  Or there's an NAD C160 for sale, but it seems to have mixed reviews.
Post removed 
timlub
1,649 posts
 
A Sumo Athena can be had for $200 to $300.  It is better than any Adcom other than the GFP-750... You could find an Old B&K for that price or as mentioned above,  a decent passive could be found in that price range.

I suspect,  this sounds pretty good.  I'm familiar with this volume controller.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PGA2311-Stero-Remote-Volume-Controller-audio-Preamp-pre-amplifier-with-MUTE-/141447354247?hash=item20eeeb5787:m:mcHZDPREyeAV4jRgjH4f4FA
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