2. amps-preamps
  3. 970808217

Preamp new/used under $900

Hey...I have a Rotel 971, NAD 314 (used as a pre), Classe Audio Seventy, and a pair of Hales Rev. twos. I don't want a pre that is warm, soft or laidback sounding. I would like the system to stay neutral erring on the side of cool. A pre that can help resolve very dense/processed electric guitar like Ministry would be super cool. Right now the dense music sounds a little mushy. right now im dense and little mushy too. A big soundstage is also a priority, but im not sure if preamps in this price range will vary much in that respect. Thanx ..im tired and hope at least half of the sentences make sense.
ohlala
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Anthem preamps made by Sonic Frontiers is a cool sounding tube preamp with almost solid state like qualities in the detail department. A good match and in the same price range as your other components.
mac
4 posts
 
Check out the VTL line tubed preamplifiers they are very neutral. There are some great buys available on Audiogon at this moment
joe_b
421 posts
 
A Classe Audio Model Four would probably work well with your Classe Amp. The Model Four is a little more revealing and neutral than the DR-4. These are well made units and should be available on the used market in your price range.
philefreak
416 posts
 
I agree with sugarbrie on the Anthem. A real steal right now.
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
You should be able to buy a used BAT 3ki for about that price. I like mine. Reviewers have said it it neutral to a very slight shade dark (don't think tht is the same as cool, but definately not bright). Make sure it was built as a 3i, not an upgraded 3 cause if it isn't I don't think it will have any single-ended (RCA) inputs.
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