2. amps-preamps
  3. 1146170748

Best preamps under $800

I need advice and suggestions. I've been living with a less than ideal set up for the past few months and it needs to be changed. I'm using the preamp section of a receiver to drive a Parasound amp. Speakers are Dahlquist DQ-30. The amp made an incredible difference! I never knew what I was missing. It's time to get rid of the receiver. I don't want to spend more than $800 on a preamp. The only requirement I have is a remote control. I don't need a phono section. I have that covered with a Musical Fidelity X-LPS. I've been looking at Musical Fidelity pre's A3CR and A3.2CR. They make great products that are afffordable. I considered the MAD Line 2A, but the lack of a remote is an issue. I want the convenience of switching sources and volume control. What other preamps should I be looking for? Are there any issues with matching a SS amp with a tube pre? Thanks in advance!
mingles
dhel
40 posts
 
I have been very happy with my Parasound P3 pre and it should match up favorably to your Parasound amp. You can get them used for around $500.
rotarius
426 posts
 
The AES AE-3 with oil cap option is hard to beat under $800 new.
horseface's avatar
horseface
222 posts
 
Most significant improvement I have made in my system was to go with a tube linestage and a SS power amp ... your half way there.

AES, TAD, Rogue and I really like the Cary stuff ... any one of them will no doubt make a huge improvement. Does Audio Research make anything with a remote? I have seen many deals in your price range.

I'm running a Modwright SWL 9.0 SE and life has never been better; even food tastes better! Boss asks if I've lost weight ... (grin)

Get out your CD collection because it was like getting everything in my collection remastered.

The Horse

X
shersta
140 posts
 
I agree with Horseface that a tube pre is the way to go. You could get a sonic frontiers line 1 for less than your budget. Comes with neat remote and is highly recommended.
pcs
109 posts
 
I had both a MF A3cr and 3.2cr. They are great values and I think they are very tough to beat. They have a built in phono that is close to your MF XLPS, so you could sell that and save some money. If you want to go tube, Conrad-Johnson pre's are very good. The entry level PV-10b does not include remote however.

Paul
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