2. amps-preamps
  3. 128872-5265

Used Preamp on a budget advice please.

I’m currently running a top of the line Yamaha AVR as my preamp in a system consisting of a Threshold S500/II, B&W 802 S2 and B&W 801 S2 speakers, which I swap from time to time. I’m also just using a Yamaha DVD player as a CD player, but am planning to buy an older, higher end CD player as well. I also use a PC with iTunes running to an Audioengine D1 DAC. I also have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable and would need to a phono amp for the products listed below.

I’m going to add an older preamp (with remote) for 2 channel to try to extract more definition, depth, etc, and to try to warm up the sound (the plan is to add a passive, high quality RCA switch to choose between preamp and AVR). I have a limited budget of up $700 and have been doing lots of looking. It appears that for my budget and need for a remote control, older pre/pro’s may be the best approach. I’m curious if anyone has any advice, opinion, or ideas on my approach and the following preamp possibilities:

Classe SSP-300
Classe SSP-75
Classe SSP-30 MK II
Cary Cinema 6
Simaudio Moon Stargate
Parasound C2
Krell Showcase PR
Krell KAV-250P

Thanks!
dastro
dastro OP
42 posts
 

Hi dastro. A couple thoughts. You did emphasize that you wanted a "warmer" type sound. The term "warm" does not always mean resolution. If you want more resolution, you might have to sacrifice some warmth because the higher resolution character may be towards the bright/forward side of things.

Also, what CD Players and interconnects are you using? I have been in situations where the interconnect is not able to show the true resolution of the source. I have compared two different DACs with a lower end interconnect. With that, there was hardly any difference between the two DACs. However, when putting a very excellent interconnect into play (i.e. solid-core OCC copper, Futurech XLR connectors), it became totally obvious that one DAC was highly superior over the other DAC.

Your CD players may not be able to provide a real high resolution signal. This may also be a limiting factor in things.

With everything else, I would not say the Krell KAV-250p is a super high resolution preamp. It is not forward/bright, but there are other preamps that are definitely superior. The Parasound P5 might give you higher resolution and also be just a little bit more forward than the Krell. I am interested in hearing your results with the P5.
Thanks for the response, auxinput.

You point is very valid.  Warmer..., hmmmm, I may already have a somewhat warm sound using the 802s (as compared to the not so warm 801s)!  I'm using a Yamaha DVD player as one of the CD players running HDMI to the Yamaha HTR.  I'm using a Sony SACD DVP-S9000ES into the Krell.  Except for the HDMI, I'm using all Canare Star-Quad cable.  I understand this as being good quality cable for the low cost, but it could have its limitations- engineers may disagree.  It has been an upgrade to vintage Monster products I was previously using.

The P5 just arrived.  It's the unit that Parasound used at CES so it should be properly broken in...
jnovak's avatar
jnovak
181 posts
 
No ones mentioned the Classe CP500. I picked one up for $1100.00! It is fabulous. Joe
dastro OP
42 posts
 
After hours and hours of listening with the P5, it is indeed a keeper.  To my ears and perception, it has a more balanced, fuller sound than the Yamaha HTR.  The soundstage width and depth is also enhanced and the whole experience is just more involving. 

A gentleman that auditioned and purchased a pair of 801 S2 with it loved it so much he's contemplating replacing his AR LS15 with one.


unsound
6,115 posts
 
Georgehifi, I am under the impression that the Threshold S 500 II has an input sensitivity of 2.2 V for full output. If that's not the case I hope someone will correct me. Depending on the source of course, but with most digital devices that might be adequate, but with other sources such as tuners, etc., it might not.
unsound
6,115 posts
 
dastro, I haven't actually verified each of your proposed pre choices, but it would seem that many have balanced outputs, and your Threshold S 500 II only has single ended RCA inputs. It would seem to me  as though quite a bit of cost (parts, etc.) would have went into making these pres capable of true(?) balanced operation. Perhaps you might get more for your money from a pre that put more of it's money elsewhere.
Though it might stretch the budget a  bit, perhaps something like a c-j PFR with it's HT pass through would fit the bill in usability, sonics, and budget.  Keep in mind that in many cases you could use an unused tape output as a HT pass through.
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