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Preamp recommendations up to $2000

Hi everyone. The upgrade bug has reared it's head again and I'm starting to look for a better preamp. My present system is: Audio Note CD-2, Mapletree 2A SE pre, Edge G4 amp, and GMA Pico Executive speakers. I listen to mostly classical, with some pop/rock.

I don't have the audio vocabulary some of you do, but I guess I'm looking for a more open sound with a little more presence. I also wouldn't mind if the bass was a little fuller.

Although the Mapletree is a tube preamp, I would like all suggestions, including SS.

Thanks!
xrayz
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
2nd DODD battery pre.
Great.....if not awesome. Especially when compared to preamps in that class and price range.
Garage brand at its best.........Right Bill?

Mariusz
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
OP, any thoughts?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Elvis has left the building.

Based on his thread history, the odds of him returning are 1:5.
xrayz OP
78 posts
 
LOL, No, I'm still here. I got more replies than I thought I would and am trying to research them all. I kindly thank everyone who has replied.

As to my thoughts, I haven't formed any concrete ones yet. I wish I could go to $2500, but really can't. I'm leaning to staying with tubes and am wondering how much improvement some of these suggestions would make over my budget model. Wish there was somewhere to rent some of this equipment to listen to for awhile.
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
Xrayz,

I'm in a similar boat as you regarding a possible pre-amp upgrade in the same general price range. I have identified many options including some mentioned here. I think when and if I do it, I will create a short list and then look to see which ones match up best to my amp in regards to output impedance and sensitivity levels to narrow it down further. I have no idea yet at this point exactly where that would leave me.

One option I would consider that would not get much mention otherwise I think is a vintage Tandberg pre-amp only because I have owned a Tandberg receiver (TR2080) and mated it with my system with very excellent results in the past and I think a Tandberg pre-amp would be even more exceptional.
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