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Integrated amp vs. pre amp

Ealyb11

Ealyb11

Well-Known Member
So, I have been using a Pioneer VSX-9500s to pilot my Adcom GFA-555II. I have been on the lookout for a quality stereo pre amp. However, this seems nearly impossible to find inside my budget. Most pre amps I am finding are either 1. Cheap junk 2. Worth more than wha I have in my whole system. The only decent pre amp I have found is an onkyo integra pm304 (I think) however it was several hours away drive and I wasn't sure that was worth the gas and time.
I don't need all the surround sound junk on the VSX, but simply can't afford any of the nice pre amps I find. This has led me to consider using a stereo integrated amplifier or vintage stereo reciever that has pre outs as my pre amp. What are some of the advantages or disadvantages to this set up versus what I am running currently. Also, suggestions on what models to look for are appreciated. My budget is less than 300$.
Thanks for your input.

-Ben



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If you give it some time you should be able to pick up a decent preamp on the bay. Make sure seller has great feedback. Consider Adcom, Carver , Marantz from early 90's. I'm sure others will chime in. This is a great place for help
 
I have a Kenwood Basic C1 preamp. Never been worked on and going strong 30 years later. They are simple design and work great.
 
Are these respected and quality pre amps that my system could "grow Into" if you will?


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All the pre's mentioned are decent units and will serve your purpose well. I'm not exactly sure what you mean about having your system "grow into'' the pre. But if that means building your system around them then the answer is no. Save up and go up the ladder a bit more.
 
The pre-amp is a very important piece of gear. In general, I "hear" greater difference in pre-amps than in amplifiers. Good sounding pre's can be had within your price range. Earlier this year I picked-up a used Forte Model 2 which is a Class A piece designed by Nelson Pass. I paid right around $300 for it, and it is an overachiever. I've owned many of the very best pre-amps (up to over $10K in retail value), and this little gem gets you 90% or better of what the very best have to offer. The phono stage is way better than it should be. You may also want to consider a Superphon Revelation, Lazurus, NAD 1020 (pre-amp section of the 3020) or one of the Yamaha's. Many of these are out there for around or even well under your budget number. They can all be very good sounding units if they have been taken care of. I'm sure others on AK will chime in with their favorites. There is a lot of discussion and much love on AK for the older Yamaha pre's, so you may want to look at some of those threads also.
 
I always despised the looks of those Adcoms and finally grabbed an Acurus Ls-11(no remote version) like the L-10. Thing is way easy to recap and you can indeed grow with it. There are much touted mods you can send it into the shop for.
 
An older PSAudio is also a good choice - something like a 5.0. Most have pretty decent phono stages built-in as well. Not sure how many, but some give you choice of passive and active as well.
 
There are some good suggestions so far, and a couple poor ones.

At best, most Carver or Adcom preamps would be a lateral move from the VSX's preamp section.
 
bowtie427ss said:
There are some good suggestions so far, and a couple poor ones.

At best, most Carver or Adcom preamps would be a lateral move from the VSX's preamp section.
Click to expand...

Perhaps, but can't say that for the GFP-565 nor GFP-750

Generally find that just getting away from all the junk happening inside an AVR with a pure preamp, helps with the noise floor, all other things being equal. Of course, the magnitude/value of the marginal improvement dependent on the receiver and pre/prepro in question.
 
I've got a denon I'm testing that can serve both as integrated, has a preamp option or run in direct or pure mode. so that might give you some ideas on a/v in your market area.

I got two denons at present.. one is shot in video board but the stereo works on direct and two channel stereo A and B or AB + center. The remote channels and sub outputs are shot, too or can't be set up.

Sound dang good for the audio end.. If interested pm me and I'll donate some money but shipping is out of the question. (way too heavy)
 
If you are very patient you might find a high-end preamp by chance.
I scored a Perraux SA2 Class A under $400 awhile ago and it has an awesome MM/MC phono stage.
 
Take your time, do your research. Do you intend to use a turntable? If not look for a DAC/Pre combo.

cubdog
 
Yes actually, my dad just gifted me his JVC turntable from the mid 70s. I will listen also to my digital music on my iphone as well as that is where I have most of my music.


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Ealyb11 said:
Yes actually, my dad just gifted me his JVC turntable from the mid 70s. I will listen also to my digital music on my iphone as well as that is where I have most of my music.


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Click to expand...

That's too bad, well from my standpoint anyway. :D Since I no longer own a TT I have more options when it comes to pre amps. My favorite is a Bel Canto Dac/pre. That one is out of your price range but I also have two Emotiva DAC/preamps that I like as well. I like the simplicity of combining both units into one case. Less clutter, easier to make connections and they sound great. Anyway good luck with your search.

cubdog
 
Can you help me understand what exactly a DAC does? I've been reading through the units crutchfield carries and my head is spinning. They seem to all be related to using you computer to play music through your system, while I could do that, I generally use my iPhone . Here are a few of the units I've looked at. I notice several speak about connecting the DAC to your pre amp?

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_772D1/Audioengine-D1.html?tp=59309

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_776MINBLNK/Arcam-miniBlink.html?tp=59309

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_772D2/Audioengine-D2.html?tp=59309

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_063UDH01S/TEAC-UD-H01-Silver.html?tp=59309

Those are just a few of the DAC I have been looking through. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is do I have a pre amp AND a DAC? Or just one or the other.


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