2. amps-preamps
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"Budget" preamp choices.

All right, so here it is: I need a new preamp, preferably $750 or under. The rest of my system is as follows: Rega Saturn - Pass Aleph 3 - AKG K1000. Soundstage, beautiful mids, and detail are my biggest things. I've been considering getting the Rega Cursa, either 2000 or the recent '3' edition, to match my new CD player, but I'm open to all kinds of suggestions. The only restriction other than price are it can't be too tall, as my top-loading CD player already has the top space in my rig. I generally prefer solid state, but if you guys think tubes will add just the right ingredient to complete my rig, recommend away!
meyvn
cbird1
21 posts
 
Sounds like the making of a great sytem...Great Phones. I would forgo the pre-amp, sell the Rega and upgrade to a Wadia which has a built in volume control. The upgrade is not subtle...I was in a similar predicament with a Cal Audio player-I bought a Placette but ultimately opted for the clarity and staging of going direct.
Good Luck,

Fred
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,699 posts
 
I would suggest a conrad johnson PV10 (used). It is a tubed unit and requires very little maintenance and is a great value.

Chuck
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drubin
3,240 posts
 
The relatively low input impedance of the Pass can be a potential source of performance compromise with tube preamps that have high output impedances, which many do. Doesn't mean you won't find bliss with a tube preamp, just something to be mindful of.

I also think the Placette is an excellent suggestion.
aball
1,994 posts
 
I would suggest the Classe CP50. A passive with a Pass amp may not be a great idea - for the same reason a tube pre may not be - but you can try it if you want. The best thing is for you to experiment as you cannot get a better answer here. good luck

Arthur
jimjenjr
50 posts
 
I also suggest a CJ 10 or 10A or the Forte II, a sold state pre which I think can go head on with many very much more expensive ss units. These preamps serve me very well in some of my applications.
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