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I am helping a friend put together a Mac based system. The need is for a simple but good pre amp. one or two inputs, one output and a balance and a volume control are all that is needed. Remote not necessary. Tubes a plus.
Suggestions and links appreciated, thank you.
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Then the Transcendent Sound Ground Grid preamp is really good for a really good price.
I found it to be superior to the Audible Illusions M3A I had at the same time.
Another step up would be a Silvaweld SWC450 if you can find one.
I have passed it all along to my friend and will let him do the research on the ones suggested and decide which he will choose....
Even if there's EQ available in the computer software, it's a lot easier to turn a knob.Actually, I think you're going in the wrong direction. Rather than a "minimal" preamp, I'd recommend a feature-rich preamp: tone controls with selectable turnover frequencies, low cut and high cut filters, balance, mute, loudness contour, stereo/mono switch, etc.
All of these things can be accomplished via software, but from an ease of use standpoint, knobs and switches are way easier. In addition, if you go the software control route, you're at the mercy of the algorithms quality.
You can accomplish this by buying a late 70s - 80s integrated amp or receiver with preamp outputs on it, like an H-K, Sansui, Kenwood, Rotel, ...
:)
Edits: 08/19/14
You can also have this versatility in a brand new preamp from Parasound with remote control, a built-in DAC and a phono stage.
wish my preamp had it.
This Parasound Halo P5 looks like it has just about everything anyone could possibly want. It makes me want to trade in my Pass Labs X1/XOno. ;-)
Not tubes but very nice and versatile, check the Wyred4 Sound mPre
Look into the Goldpoint passives.
I think that would be a plus with solid state mac gear. I always found Mac gear to be a tad dark. I think the passive would juice it up a little.
Besides, some of the higher ended Mac's used the Goldpoint stepped attenuators at one time.
charles
a Mac Mini computer feeding a DAC to a Preamp....sorry
Your wish list completely describes the Decware CSP3 $1,249 - Simple, all tubes, USA hand built, zero negative feedback, 2 inputs, main volume, separate channel gain for balance, lifetime warranty, 30 day trial, plus headphone amp built in. Downside, have to wait to get one built.
I guess, it is for a friend and I dunno his top end price..
I was thinking of a Parasound Halo P5. It gives you everything you could possibly want or need for $1095.
Quicksilver line stage fits your criteria.
What you want is an Audio Research SP-9.
A great preamp with a terrific phono stage. Fair warning - the volume and balance pots may need replacement. The balance pot was custom made and is no longer available from anyone, including AR. But hey, who cares about balance anyways?
Move up a bit to an SP-16 and you're good to go - shouldn't be more than 1,200 clams.
I got a SP16L for the HT system to use with my Oppo 105. The HT bypass works great, it sounds great, very reliable and like you say, less than 1200 clams.
Only one complain, I wish the remote had all inputs listed separately, so you don't have to scroll through all each time.
AB.
and now wish I'd have kept it for my friend, thanks
+1 with G Squared, but if you really want tubes then an
ARC LS8 MkII is exceptional.
HA
I use one on my mac based system and like it.
as a backup for a nice tube model - why not?
Read one or two positive reviews here @ AA.
I can still recommend an Adcom 565 pre-amp. While not tubed, it is an excellent piece of gear.
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