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Best Preamp for under $1750.00

Seeking recommendations for a preamp in the $750 to $1750 range. Balance of system consists of Aerial 8's, Bryston 7B's, and CAL CL-15. Room acoustics and speakers would favour lean over lush; I'm looking for something musical without being on the "warm" side. Music preferences include acoustic, jazz, and rock. Will re-cable according to final selections
emmett
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
The best preamp is no preamp. If you can arrange your system around it a passive preamp is the way to go, but there are giant sacrifices to be made along the line to get there.
dekay's avatar
dekay
2,959 posts
 
Placette is the manufacturer that I was thinking of in my above post. I have no experience with them, but have been curious as to how one would pair with an SET amp (only to add switching capability). I have read that they add very little sonic character of their own (which might be a good thing if you have a good source and power amp).
subaruguru
1,353 posts
 
I second the Pass Aleph P option: transparent, ultraquiet, very 3D, detailed, and perhaps a bit lean...sounds like you might like it. I paid $1850 with remote used a year ago.
Extraordinary build quality, too. Good Luck. Ern
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
I'm happy with my BAT VK3i for <1k line only used, up to about 1500+ w/phono and remote. Uses the ever popular 6922s (4) and 6V6 (2). Awesome customer service.
sedond
1,314 posts
 
everybody knows melos is yunk, unreliable, poor service, etc. yust ask leafs! ;~) but, of all the pre's mentioned here, only the joule electra la 100 mklll wood be of any interest to me, to audition it against my melos music director. i'd be innerested in the cat, but no remote-control wolume makes it a non-starter for me...

doug s.

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