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Simple but good pre-amp---?

184.12.241.86
Posted on August 18, 2014 at 11:32:07
LWR
Audiophile

Posts: 66808
Location: The woods
Joined: August 12, 2003
 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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RE: Simple but good pre-amp---?, posted on August 18, 2014 at 15:59:43
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 I can still recommend an Adcom 565 pre-amp. While not tubed, it is an excellent piece of gear.

 

No balance control, but to get them started and for future use..., posted on August 18, 2014 at 16:45:00
DeKay
 as a backup for a nice tube model - why not?

Read one or two positive reviews here @ AA.

 

Used ARC LS3 or LS3B, posted on August 18, 2014 at 17:16:30
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8467
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 I use one on my mac based system and like it.
Gsquared

 

RE: Simple but good pre-amp---?, posted on August 18, 2014 at 17:27:03
HoosierAudio
Audiophile

Posts: 377
Location: MidWest, USA
Joined: November 28, 2005
 +1 with G Squared, but if you really want tubes then an

ARC LS8 MkII is exceptional.

HA

 

Don't listen to those guys...., posted on August 18, 2014 at 17:49:55
StephenJK
 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 replaced my SP-9, posted on August 18, 2014 at 18:04:11
LWR
Audiophile

Posts: 66808
Location: The woods
Joined: August 12, 2003
 and now wish I'd have kept it for my friend, thanks

 

RE: Simple but good pre-amp---?, posted on August 18, 2014 at 19:32:13
niws
Audiophile

Posts: 790
Location: Northeast
Joined: September 4, 2003
 Quicksilver line stage fits your criteria.

 

What's your budget? /nt\, posted on August 18, 2014 at 20:10:35
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004

 

12-1500, posted on August 18, 2014 at 20:18:33
LWR
Audiophile

Posts: 66808
Location: The woods
Joined: August 12, 2003
 I guess, it is for a friend and I dunno his top end price..

 

RE: Simple but good pre-amp---?, posted on August 19, 2014 at 05:20:00
jsm71
Audiophile

Posts: 1123
Location: Cincinnati OH
Joined: June 16, 2011
 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.

 

RE: Simple but good pre-amp---?, posted on August 19, 2014 at 06:24:16
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 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

 

RE: Simple but good pre-amp---?, posted on August 19, 2014 at 07:04:17
Goodwine59
Audiophile

Posts: 178
Joined: May 20, 2000
 Not tubes but very nice and versatile, check the Wyred4 Sound mPre

 

No tone controls?, posted on August 19, 2014 at 07:13:06
Inmate51
 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, ...

:)

 

RE: No tone controls?, posted on August 19, 2014 at 08:37:21
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 You can also have this versatility in a brand new preamp from Parasound with remote control, a built-in DAC and a phono stage.

 

RE: 12-1500, posted on August 19, 2014 at 08:40:12
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 I was thinking of a Parasound Halo P5. It gives you everything you could possibly want or need for $1095.

 

Ooopsie, posted on August 19, 2014 at 12:20:47
LWR
Audiophile

Posts: 66808
Location: The woods
Joined: August 12, 2003
 a Mac Mini computer feeding a DAC to a Preamp....sorry

 

I love the sub control, posted on August 19, 2014 at 14:21:44
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8467
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 wish my preamp had it.
Gsquared

 

Thanks to all the advice & suggestions, posted on August 19, 2014 at 15:42:14
LWR
Audiophile

Posts: 66808
Location: The woods
Joined: August 12, 2003
 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....

 

RE: I love the sub control, posted on August 19, 2014 at 17:34:20
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 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. ;-)

 

If a little contruction is not a deterrent..., posted on August 20, 2014 at 07:14:48
morricab
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 9174
Location: switzerland
Joined: April 1, 2005
 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 second the SP16..., posted on August 20, 2014 at 12:42:02
ABliss
Audiophile

Posts: 1482
Joined: March 16, 2001
Contributor
  Since: August 3, 2002
 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.

 

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