pre amp suggestions

[watchman]

I'm having my Hitachi HMA 6500 amp totally gone through and will be needing a pre amp to go with it. Any suggestions on a vintage reasonably priced pre amp would be appreciated. I know that this is a solid state forum, but I would consider a tube pre amp also,

 

[avionic]

HCA-6500. or Yamaha..

 

[avionic]

Welcome to AK. BTW

 

[watchman]

Any thoughts on using one of the Dynaco pre amps with upgrades?

 

[ivandezande]

I'd get the matching Hitachi. Good gear, I had a HMA-8300.

 

[mgkfifty]

That's a sweet looking little amp, mosfets?

 

[watchman]

Yup. These amps have a semi-tube warmth to them. That's why I might consider a tube preamp to go with it

 

[murraycamp]

I have a NAD 1020 pre in my office system in front of a MC502 amp and am very pleased. Can pick those preamps up around $200 used.

 

[bimasta]

HCA-6500. or Yamaha..

The HCA-6500 was a mediocre preamp. They were often sold as a pair — dozens of the preamps were then on the market (with few buyers) as owners used better preamps, because the power amp is very good.

Your idea of tube pre is good — I use a Luxman tube pre with SS power-amps — but is not necessary, some SS pre's are great, and not pricey.

 

[watchman]

At one time, a lifetime ago (I'm 73), I had a Dayton Wright preamp. It had a sweet phono section. But the only one I can find is almost $1000 and $200 shipping from Japan. Kinda steep for an old man on SS.

 

[automojo]

Might try a Xiang Sheng 728a. Even with stock tubes it sounds good. Depending on your amps input sensitivity, you may have to attenuate the 728a's out put. It can be a bit much for some amps. A Harrison 6-12 db unit works great.
Swap out the stock 4 tubes (the 2 rectifiers don't effect the sound) for some new production Tung Sol's and you will have a awesome sounding all tube preamp for around $400 or so, that performs way above it's price point.