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Best balanced linestage/preamp for $4000 or less ???

Hey all !!  So I need some help with choosing a preamp, preferably tube, that's a true balance design in and out.. For a 2.1 speaker system.. Need a sub so it'll have to have dual outputs running in parallel if that's the right term to use.. It'll have to have single ended inputs and outputs also.. I use an Oppo205 (Modwright) in the front end for everything digital coming in, movies and music.. But I do my critical listening with music so I use the modded portion of the 205 for that (balance output) and for movies/tv want to use the unmodded single ended outputs..

I have a Classe CA2200 amp and Salk bookshelf speakers and a sub (single ended input)..

I know BAT is out there.. VK31se I'm looking at and some older Audio Research but read them are unreliable.. Anything else anyone else have some experience with ? Will take your opinions seriously as that's how I chose my current equipment...   thanks

I know there's some good stuff single ended but I really want a well balance system through out with my music listening..

oem-wheels
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
The EAR-Yoshini 868L has one XLR input and dual-XLR outputs (as well as dual-RCA outs), and can occasionally be found used for around $3000. It’s a nice pre, and weights 22 lbs.! It’s deceiving---a look inside reveals not a lot of parts, but when you go to pick it up, it feels like a power amp.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Oem-wheels. 
 Yours is a rational approach.  I suggested the Atma-sphere MP-3  earlier in this thread as I believe that it's a top quality preamplifier that would serve you well.   Certainly in your stated budget range there are numerous very good options available.  Patience is a good asset and will allow you to make a wise long term decision. . 
Charles 
ricwa
8 posts
 
 Not sure what the problem is with the Audio Research LS-27.  Your Classe CA2200 appears to have an input Z of > 100k whereas the LS-27 doesn’t recommend anything below 25k so you should be fine. 
oem-wheels OP
151 posts
 
@ricwa.. I want to add a sub to the mix and they tend to be lower than 25k. Plus I'll be asking the preamp to drive my amp and sub at the same time which makes it even a tougher assignment. 
tweak1
870 posts
 
My dream for several years was to get a Parasound JC 2, but @ 4K it is out of my foreseeable budget. I was reading a passive preamp thread, which moved me to use the XLR outs from my Oppo 105 direct to my amps. fortunately, no impedance issues and wow, the noise floor dropped off a cliff. The only negative is any volume lower han full on seems to cause bit loss, BUT, now I am exploring passive pres. I went through a bunch of them over a decade ago, but like everything else, the tech has improved. 

If I had $2700 I would buy the Troubador Passive preamp, It appears to be SOTA , but not in my current budget, so I found a Hattor passive on AudioGon and swooped it up.

My hope is by plugging the 105 into it, and opening th 105 volume control,l wide open and use the passive pre VC  to better control volume. Hope to have it by Saturday, then a few days to acquaint myself with its functions and listen to some music
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