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High end pre amp options

jwest1197

jwest1197

New Member
I'm pretty intrigued with the amount of flexibility one could achieve using a separate pre amp and power amp. I've been looking up a great number of pre amps and wanted to know what kind of solid state, two channel pre amps with phono stage, analog inputs, coax and optical inputs and fixed output exist.

The only one I've seen with all of these options is the McIntosh C47, but it's $4000. The NAD M12 comes close, but it doesn't have an extra fixed output.

Are there any cheaper options available with these features, or would it just be smarter to get a good vintage pre amp, and pair it with a good D/A converter?

Thanks
 
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+1 on Parasound. I have a 2100 pre-amp that I use with a tube power amp of my own making. The sorts of inputs you're looking for seem to line up nicely with the P5. It can be had for quite a bit less than the the McIntosh or the NAD.
 
Given that DAC technology changes so rapidly (although I think we've reached a nice performance/price plateau) I'd be hesitant to buy a pre with a built in one. I think I'd look for a preamp with a built-in phono stage and use an outboard DAC.
 
jwest1197 said:
I'm pretty intrigued with the amount of flexibility one could achieve using a separate pre amp and power amp. I've been looking up a great number of pre amps and wanted to know what kind of solid state, two channel pre amps with phono stage, analog inputs, coax and optical inputs and fixed output exist.

The only one I've seen with all of these options is the McIntosh C47, but it's $4000. The NAD M12 comes close, but it doesn't have an extra fixed output.

Are there any cheaper options available with these features, or would it just be smarter to get a good vintage pre amp, and pair it with a good D/A converter?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I'm sure some will cringe but last time I looked for $300-$400, maybe less, you could find an older, but somewhat higher end HT processor such as the Anthem AVM 20v2 or AVM 30 that has nearly all that (and more). The exception being built-in phono stage.

I own one and it makes a good multifunction input preamp. It's clean and neutral though so if you want some added flavor then it's probably not right for you.
 
If you can live with an outboard phono stage and a built-in DAC there are likely more options among current offerings. Also have a look at the Emotiva Stealth DC-1/SP-1 stack which is pretty neat and attractively priced for what you get.
 
prisoners said:
Given that DAC technology changes so rapidly (although I think we've reached a nice performance/price plateau) I'd be hesitant to buy a pre with a built in one. I think I'd look for a preamp with a built-in phono stage and use an outboard DAC.
Click to expand...

...and if you are good with an external DAC, then I'll happily recommend the Parasound 2100. I'm extremely happy with mine.
 
another couple of reasons for an outboard DAC is if you have several CDPs and SACD players
which over time had only analog outputs, then HDMI, and maybe opticals with DSD output
or DSD-to-PCM. all your units feed into this DAC/switcher then it goes into your
preamp as AUX and controls the other tape/FM/phono/iPods/etc.

my poor setup has a CD/SACD, that requires taking the analog output for SACD and CD
play but can optical in for a distinguishable better CD sound.

I'd recommend a lower cost DAC since there are always some new DAC chip being
introduced (like the ESS9038). IOW an upgrade is always in your future.
 
When buying Mcintosh consider buying from Audio Classics pre-owned inventory. Its like buying new while receiving a great discount. They throughly check the equipment and give a nice warranty. They know the equipment they sell very well. If there are any production issues or or soft ware issues they know about them, for sure. They specialize in Mac tube pieces, and know them as well or better than the factory. If I were buying a Mac pre-amp I would wait for the new models coming with the digital input plug in modules that can be upgraded.
 
Second time tonight I'm mentioning Schiit. I tend to favor separates, with the philosophy of each piece doing one job pretty well. And when something new and interesting comes along it can drop in easily.
 
jwest1197 said:
I'm pretty intrigued with the amount of flexibility one could achieve using a separate pre amp and power amp. I've been looking up a great number of pre amps and wanted to know what kind of solid state, two channel pre amps with phono stage, analog inputs, coax and optical inputs and fixed output exist.

The only one I've seen with all of these options is the McIntosh C47, but it's $4000. The NAD M12 comes close, but it doesn't have an extra fixed output.

Are there any cheaper options available with these features, or would it just be smarter to get a good vintage pre amp, and pair it with a good D/A converter?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Why not an older McIntosh preamp, there's some fine ones for 1/3-1/4 the price used. Which do what you want save for digital (which you could get a DAC for, separate's better for that anyway)
 
Well, I do have a good SACD player with HDMI out. Maybe I should just consider something like a Yamaha C4 and a DAC with HDMI.
 
Not many DACs out there with HDMI. SACD is typically accessed using analog outputs because of the built in copyright protection. You could use RCA out for SACD and digital out for CD. Then again if your disc player is pretty good you might not hear much of a difference with an outboard DAC anyway.
 
Perhaps the best high-end preamp option is no preamp at all, but to use source components with variable outputs. I once had such a system, and simply swapped components (tuner, tapedeck, CDP) in and out of the power amp.
 
Simaudio Moon, lots of inputs balanced and unbalanced, balanced and unbalanced out, an unbalanced fixed out, built in DAC and phono option.
 
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