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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
timlub
1,649 posts
 
Ahhh, now that I posted my last response, I see your point, the 30 has a remote and is a Classe... Ok, I fold, but the 30 is not in the league sound quality wise as the other pre's that I mentioned in the budget asked to fill.
frogman
4,637 posts
 
****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****

IMO, you just described the Meitner PA-6i. Terrific sounding ss preamp
often described as tube-like with excellent phono section (either MC or
MM), remote with source, vol, bal, phase) and looks fantastic in its polished
mahogany case; a real sleeper in this price range. They show up used on a
regular basis and sell in the $400 range (used). You would them have
enough money left over to buy a pair of these sometime, which if they sell
for anywhere near $400 would be a steal. These compliment the PA6 in
appearance (no affiliation with seller):

[URL]http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-museatex-mtr-101-ed-
meitner-2014-01-28-amplifiers-94595[/URL]
hanfrac OP
8 posts
 
Thanks, all. I purchased a Canary CA-960 (limited edition upgraded CA-900). I broke the following - it has no remote and no phono stage.

I'm giving it a whirl. It's tough, as I don't have much of a basis for comparison, other than my memory of the Vincent preamp a friend lent me. Right now, my memory of the Vincent is stronger than the Canary with Belles (warmer, richer, more engaging), but the setup sounds like it is improving - today sounds better than last night, when I unboxed and hooked everything up. I think the Canary is virtually new, so it may need some break-in time.

I may buy another preamp to compare with and sell the lesser of the two.
audioconnection
1,015 posts
 
I drought any folks above ever heard a Belles 400
Correct me if I am wrong
Used Audible Illusions M3 worked great with it.
JohnnyR
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