2. amps-preamps
  3. 1390850375

Preamp suggestions for Belles 400/Snell Type A

I'm relatively new to the game and am building around the following:
- Belles 400 amp (200wpc at 8 ohms, 400wpc at 4 ohms)
- Snell Type A/i (4 ohm)
- Rega Planar 3/RB300 + Pioneer PL-600 DD

I am looking for suggestions on a preamp that will match well. My wish list is (1) $750 or under; (2) prefer a remote control for source/volume; (3) warm side of neutral; (4) decent phono stage (can get one without phono, but will then want to spend less); (5) doesn't require me to upgrade, solder or otherwise monkey with it

I've been buying/borrowing equipment and a Vincent SV236 integrated that I borrowed made the Snell's sound great. I liked the deep bass and color, although there was perhaps a bit too much. I've tried my old Adcom GTP500 and that sounds awful to me - cold and uninvolving.

I've been considering an Aragon 24k (no remote), Forte F44 on eBay (no phono), B&K Pro10/CS115-117. Thanks in advance for any ideas.
hanfrac
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
Find used Classe CP-60. There ones that go with or without phono. They go cheap because they're about to be serviced. In 15...20 years the recap on these units will be due to maintain proper specified performance.
Bryston older models (like .5b) that may/maynot have a phono are also solid performers.
If you'll have to look for an outboard phono, you can get Musical Fidelity XPS that has 2 inputs which is very suitable for your 2 turntables instead of reconnecting them. One you can find in low $2xx range.
timlub
1,649 posts
 
You won't find a Classe in your price point with remote, the old DR Pre's don't have remote, the next newer Classe's Model Five or Six has remote, but I doubt you'll find one for $750...The next newer are mentioned CP50 or CP60. If you can get one for $750, these are nice Pre's. The best single pre that has remote that I can think of in that price range will be a Musical Fidelity A3CR, Probably $600. You could probably find one of the Pass Designed pre's for Adcom, it is in a different league than any other Adcoms made before it, it is the GFP-750, but I wouldn't call it warm, still nice pre, it will eat any other adcom before it. If you can find one, a Muse model 3 is great, right at that price too, there is also a Muse Model 3 Signature, I would expect to pay just a tad more...
I hope this helps, Tim
timlub
1,649 posts
 
Looked around at current listings for you, there is an Older Innersound on here for $750, this is designed by Coda, it looks to be a model from 2000 to 2004, but that's a guess, should be a nice pre for $750 and there is a Chinese unit... Jaton Operetta, not bad either.
Good luck with your search, Tim
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
Timlub,
A couple of years ago I sold Classe 30 which is earlier version of CP-60 with remote.
Even if one doesn't have a remote it definitely has capabilities to have one.
Bryston .5b would not have one agree.
timlub
1,649 posts
 
In my opinion the 30 would be a wonderful $350 to $400 pre... I believe the Classe Lineage was DR was Dave Reich, when he left they took the DR5 Dr6 etc and did an update, which produced the Model Five, Six etc These were the first models with remote... next came the 3o/40/50/60...
30 was bottom of the line, 60 was top of the line, next came the cp30 - cp60, next came CP35 - CP65 and in between, they threw in a CP47.5...... The 30 is a fine preamp, but not in the league of the CP60... I recall the 30 being fairly smooth, fairly accurate, but not very detailed, nor throwing a great stage. I recall the Bryston .5 being more detailed, but a tad hard on top for my taste, at least in the combo that I heard it in, but I am talking a whole bunch of years since I have listened to any of these, but overall, I believe that everything that I stated is in line, maybe a model out of place but overall accurate.
I hope this helps, Tim
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