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Advice on preamplifier change

Econolett55

Econolett55

New Member
I'm seeking suggestions and advice on preamplifier purchase. I have A Soundcraftsmen Pe2217 preamplifier that I have hooked up to a ESS eclipse 500A amp and BGW 500D amp. I'm looking to change it to a Sony TAE 5450 preamp I could get for around 100 bucks. In your opinion(s) would this be a worthwhile upgrade? If not I would love any suggestions for a 70s sliverface near rack size (or just not small) preamplifier under $500.00.
 
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Econolett55 said:
I'm seeking suggestions and advice on preamplifier purchase. I have A Soundcraftsmen Pe2217 preamplifier that I have hooked up to a ESS eclipse 500A amp and BGW 500D amp. I'm looking to change it to a Sony TAE 5450 preamp I could get for around 100 bucks. In your opinion(s) would this be a worthwhile upgrade? If not I would love any suggestions for a 70s sliverface near rack size (or just not small) preamplifier under $500.00.
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I would, if you can find one... purchase an Adcom GFP-815. I have owned one of these personally in the past, and it is very neutral sounding, and has lots of connectivity. You can get a used one on Ebay, in excellent condition, for around $300-400, including tax and shipping.
 
Natasha Bell said:
I would, if you can find one... purchase an Adcom GFP-815. I have owned one of these personally in the past, and it is very neutral sounding, and has lots of connectivity. You can get a used one on Ebay, in excellent condition, for around $300-400, including tax and shipping.
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Funny you make that recommendation, and I say that because I actually have one that I pair with a gfa 555 for mini home theater setup. Absolutely superb preamp but is too "new" for my vintage setup. Trying to stick to the 70s for this setup since most of this setup is from that decade (other than some side pieces from early 80s).
 
Econolett55 said:
Funny you make that recommendation, and I say that because I actually have one that I pair with a gfa 555 for mini home theater setup. Absolutely superb preamp but is too "new" for my vintage setup. Trying to stick to the 70s for this setup since most of this setup is from that decade (other than some side pieces from early 80s).
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I sold mine, to purchase a Parasound P6 Halo. I am currently using that with a pair of Adcom GFA-565 mono-blocs. I also have a GFA-555, at is going to be sold (have to pay for those 565s). Have you considered a Yamaha C70? That is an amazing vintage preamp. :)
 
Outstanding preamp with an even more outstanding phono stage with loading options, good luck finding one.

Amber Model 17 Full Function Preamp
Classic-HiFi-Amber-Model-17.jpg
 
I don't have an opinion on either of your choices. In taking a quick look at both, you would be giving up the equalizer function that the 2217 has so I'm guessing that is not important?

It doesn't sound like a lot of money for the Sony, I would advocate giving it a try.

But is there a specific area you are trying to improve over the 2217?
 
Sgt Shultz said:
Outstanding preamp with an even more outstanding phono stage with loading options, good luck finding one.

Amber Model 17 Full Function Preamp

View attachment 3090705
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RVT1K said:
I don't have an opinion on either of your choices. In taking a quick look at both, you would be giving up the equalizer function that the 2217 has so I'm guessing that is not important?

It doesn't sound like a lot of money for the Sony, I would advocate giving it a try.

But is there a specific area you are trying to improve over the 2217?
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I just really want a similar era sliverface preamplifier without the equalizer addition to it. I mean it's nice but not what I really want. Plus I know theres better from the 70s but don't have the big budget for them. I don't ever go over 500 dollars unless it's shipping or tax.
 
Natasha Bell said:
I sold mine, to purchase a Parasound P6 Halo. I am currently using that with a pair of Adcom GFA-565 mono-blocs. I also have a GFA-555, at is going to be sold (have to pay for those 565s). Have you considered a Yamaha C70? That is an amazing vintage preamp. :)
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I was originally going to buy one to use with the GfA 555 but the deal fell through and I bought the adcom instead.
 
Econolett55 said:
I like this preamp. Never heard of it before but just read the specs and it's pretty awesome. Now I need to find it :<(
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Another member recently found one on my recommendation and here's his assessment. And here's the funny part, when found they're usually dirt cheap lol. That might change though as praising here has seen other items jump in price.

Be forewarned the RCA jacks are connected directly to the board and could need the solder reflowed. Mine had several loose connections and so too the one below. It's not an expensive fix so don't let that deter you.

"Sep 30, 2023
I really don’t know what to say. I do believe I have found my preamp. Holy ?&@#! I just does everything well. The phono stage is fantastic. How do these fly under the radar? It makes no sense… the imaging is so good…wow! Thank you for bringing these to our collective attention! Glad I was paying attention!

Spent a few hours listening tonight with a few friends - wow!"

I'm still looking for the matching tuner, even more rare than the preamp.
 
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Sgt Shultz said:
Another member recently found one on my recommendation and here's his assessment.

"Sep 30, 2023
I really don’t know what to say. I do believe I have found my preamp. Holy ?&@#! I just does everything well. The phono stage is fantastic. How do these fly under the radar? It makes no sense… the imaging is so good…wow! Thank you for bringing these to our collective attention! Glad I was paying attention!

Spent a few hours listening tonight with a few friends - wow!"

I'm still looking for the matching tuner, even more rare than the preamp.
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No worries I WILL find it. I just started putting alerts on all sites and if one pops up will buy it. You have sent me on a mission good sir .
 
Econolett55 said:
No worries I WILL find it. I just started putting alerts on all sites and if one pops up will buy it. You have sent me on a mission good sir .
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There's also an amplifier, I hear it's rather nice and not nearly as rare, might have purchased one but I have another amplifier (well 3 actually) that's my favorite.

If unfamiliar with David Belles you might want to check out his reputation. One of his earliest designs so very affordable, his newer stuff not so much lol.

BellesOnePowerAmplifier01.jpg

20160817_235316 (2).jpg

I like big caps I cannot lie.

It's simplistic wiring topology really let's the music through.
20160817_2356142.jpg

Again, love this amp so much I can't seem to let one pass by and why I now have three.
 
Sgt Shultz said:
There's also an amplifier, I hear it's rather nice and not nearly as rare, might have purchased one but I have another amplifier (well 3 actually) that's my favorite.

If unfamiliar with David Belles you might want to check out his reputation. One of his earliest designs so very affordable, his newer stuff not so much lol.

View attachment 3091597

View attachment 3091596

I like big caps I cannot lie.

It's simplistic wiring topology really let's the music through.
View attachment 3091600

Again, love this amp so much I can't seem to let one pass by and why I now have three.
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I really love the setup of the internals looks easy to service. My BGW 500D Is similar in this way as its amp boards and protection relays are plug ins making for easy service. Love adding amps to my collection will have to learn more and possibly aquire one of these Belles.
 
Econolett55 said:
I really love the setup of the internals looks easy to service. My BGW 500D Is similar in this way as its amp boards and protection relays are plug ins making for easy service. Love adding amps to my collection will have to learn more and possibly aquire one of these Belles.
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One of his newer amps

Screenshot_20240117-112619.png
 
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