I'm currently enjoying a Kavent S-33 preamp. It has 1 set of Balanced inputs to go along with 5 regular inputs. It also has 2 pair of outputs and a set of balanced outputs too. It is very similar to the Vincent SA-93 preamp. The remote is very solid as well and can reduce the gain by -10dbs.
Another preamp if you can find it is a McCormack TLC-1 with remote volume control. Very rare but it does sound good too IMO. |
If you can find a used Odyssey Tempest it would be nice. |
The B&K PT3 series 2 preamp that I just purchased on Audiogon a short time ago for $300 is really a nice sounding unit; can be completely operated from the remote and mates up very well with the XPA-2 (also has a built in tuner). |
Conrad Johnson PFR. Past Stereophile class a component and with good reason. |
Tzh21y - I heard the Pass a few years ago and thought it was a bit on the dry side; overall very nice though. |
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That helps, and the first thing that pops to mind is something from Bryston (I own the BP-6). Thought the Adcom recommendation was a good one too, but I remember reading they had some reliability problems in the past but not sure how widespread it was. That should not be much of a concern with anything from Bryston. Best of luck. |
Soix - I've been using a Musical Fidelity A308 for a few months now and just picked up a B&K PT3 series 2. Both are nice but looking for something with a bit more air, detail and transparency. Maybe the Bel Canto mentioned by Timrhu would be a good one to try. |
Would be helpful if you told us what you're using now and what sound qualities you're looking to change and/or improve upon. |
Disclaimer upfront: I have one for sale.
The Bel Canto PRe3 is a fantastic preamp. About as transparent as you'll find, a pleasure to use, balanced in and out. Meets all the criteria you stated and would be a good match for the Emotiva. Read the reviews. |
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I should have mentioned that I'm kind of wanting to stick with a solid state preamp mainly because it will be left on continuously. |
peachtree nova is a good choice if you could use the DAC also, pre out to the xpa-2 would sound great |
If you do not want to add color (some people love it) to your amp, try Bryston 60. It is an integrated amp, but it has output from Preamp section. I have used it with Cary SLA-30 amp and I loved it. You can find one in Ebay at $ 600-1200, if you are lucky. This integrated amp itself is a wonderful amp, if 60W is enough for your system. |
Used Adcom GFP 750, which was an exceptional value new...and at about $700 used, even more so now. Being domestic and therefore easily serviceable is a plus. Very neutral preamp...check reviews. Stereophile Class A for the 2 cents that is worth. It has balanced outputs also, which is nice...unusual at its price point. Can be switched to passive for unadulterated sound if not listening loud. |
Second the VTL,good luck,B |
How about a used Cary/AES AE-3 DJH? |
First of all,"best" is in the eye/ear of the beholder.No one can tell you what's best for you.If they say they can,they are full of crap.That being said,why not try an Emotiva preamp?It's a fair assumption they are made to work together.Just a thought.Good luck. |
The VTL 2.5 when available is really very good. Provides a little quality tube sound and comes with a remote. Build quality is good too and under $1k. |
I think you are at the junction of deciding tube vs SS for a pre-amp. Also, it depends on how many and what kind of inputs you need, and whether or not you would like a DAC built in, and new vs used. Simplest would be the Peachtree Nova, bypassing the built in amp. |
