Pre + Power amps on $500 budget. Which?

[34dean]

Looking to add a Pre and power to the collection. I’m looking at an Adcom GFA545 for $150. That would give me $350 for a preamp.

What would you be focused on?

 

[Spe@kerBox]

The Hafler DH-101 might be a good choice.

 

[Spe@kerBox]

A DB Systems DB1A is also a good choice (I know as I had one and regret selling).

 

[xero-D-hero]

How many source inputs do you need ?
Do you need a phono input w/an internal phono stage (MM/MC -or- both) ??
How many preamp outputs are needed (using a subwoofer or multiple amps or such) ???
Do you need/want a remote ???
Do you need/want tone controls ???
Do you need/want a full function tape/external processor loop w/monitor capability ???

The more info we have the better the recommendations will be....

That said:
Adcom pre-tuners GTP-450 / GTP-500 Mk1 -or- Mk2 / GTP-502 would work.
Adcom preamps GFP-555 Mk1 -or- Mk2 / GFP-565 / GFP-710 / GFP-715 would as well.
NAD 106 / 114 / 116 / 1000 / 1000s / 1130 / 1155 / 1240 are good candidates too.
Kenwood Basic C1 & C2 would also be on my radar too.
As would Sanyo C55 Plus.
APT Holman mayb be in the running too (depends on current pricing).

And that's just a few off the top of my head,there are soooo many more.
Honestly it would take all day to list 'em all.

HTH

Bret P.

 

[peterp1]

Looking to add a Pre and power to the collection. I’m looking at an Adcom GFA545 for $150. That would give me $350 for a preamp.

What would you be focused on?

I hope I don't upset Adcom fans, but I have to be honest, I did not like my Adcom GTP-400 / GFA-545 at all. Bought them brand new in the late 80's / early 90's -- and it was a ton of money for me at the time -- and I never like the way it sounded (using with Large Advents back then). I had an SX-3700 receiver before the Adcom, which was probably 1/5th the price of the Adcom separates, and the Pioneer sounded a lot better. While I wouldn't recommend you swear off anything based upon one person's opinion, my personal recommendation is "not Adcom".

It's impossible to provide a suggestion without more info (e.g. what inputs do you need (since old vintage components are pretty limited on inputs), what "look" you prefer, what era you prefer, what power you need, do you need phono input, what music you will use it with, etc.)

 

[34dean]

I hope I don't upset Adcom fans, but I have to be honest, I did not like my Adcom GTP-400 / GFA-545 at all. Bought them brand new in the late 80's / early 90's -- and it was a ton of money for me at the time -- and I never like the way it sounded (using with Large Advents back then). I had an SX-3700 receiver before the Adcom, which was probably 1/5th the price of the Adcom separates, and the Pioneer sounded a lot better. While I wouldn't recommend you swear off anything based upon one person's opinion, my personal recommendation is "not Adcom".

It's impossible to provide a suggestion without more info (e.g. what inputs do you need (since old vintage components are pretty limited on inputs), what "look" you prefer, what era you prefer, what power you need, do you need phono input, what music you will use it with, etc.)

I actually owned Adcom stuff way back in the day and loved it. I can pick up the power and pre for $300 which is a decent value IMO. Also looking at the Hafler which I’ve read great things about.

 

[David_NC]

I really like my Parasound HCA-1000A and NAD 2200 power amps. The Parasound is much newer and less likely to need service in the near future. They are often available for about half of your budget.

 

[62vauxhall]

As mentioned, a Hafler DH-101 or an APT Holman.

I ran the pre-amp gauntlet a couple of years ago and those two are what I pared my selection down to.

They both have the number of inputs/outputs I want and both are known for their phono sections. The Holman goes a little beyond the DH-101 in it's being oriented towards turntables. Also in construction quality. It's switches imparts a more solid feel when operating them.

 

[A23gt]

I like the citation 21 and 22 in that price range, the Kenwood Basic, or maybe something from Sumo.

 

[JarredCrowe]

I happen to think that you are on a solid track. Adcom amps are really their strong point and prioritizing more of your budget for a preamp makes great sense.

Unless you can get an adcom gfp565 within budget(completely possible) than I wouldn't bother with their other offerings. Look into the mentioned kenwoods , but also pres/pros from b&k, parasound, or even a lexicon dc1.

 

[Wes_in_VA]

I think a Kenwood Basic C2 would be a great match for that amp and would leave a little dough on the table.

 

[bigaltx24]

A DB Systems DB1A is also a good choice (I know as I had one and regret selling).

These are great preamps. I should have never sold mine.

Kenwood Basic C1 & C2 would also be on my radar too.

I've had two C1s and a C2, never should have sold them either.

 

[bobschneider]

You could get a Rotel RC-990bx or RC-995 within your budget. Those are great sounding preamps from the 1990s - Rotel went all out with those models. They are loaded with top quality parts, including Blackgate caps. They have MM/MC phono sections, and came with remotes (often missing on the used market, unfortunately). I have a 995, and like it a lot.

 

[genone]

Another vote for the Parasound HCA-1000A. And I was surprised how little damage the Adcom GTP-502 did to the sound. Plus its packed with inputs, and a lighted volume knob, and you can make minute adjustments with the remote.

 

[stoutblock]

Nakamichi 410 pre and 420 amp. You might even be able to add a 430 tuner and stay within your budget. Bonus that the 410 has a decent phono stage.

 

[KRab]

To offer an alternative plan....would you consider finding an integrated amp with Pre out/main in? That way, you would have a "reserve" amplifier if anything should happen to the Adcom. I've been considering using my NAD C 325 BEE in this manner....should I ever feel the need for more power in some future set up. In your price range, I'm guessing that there would be many possibilities ( just looking at the auction site).
Just a thought....

 

[Roy O]

GAS Thalia $350 shipped on ebay now.
As stated above, steer clear of Adcom GTP 400; most had bad FM chips (mine does).
My B&K amp sounds great; their preamps have a good rep, too, but some models were cursed with chintzy RCA plugs that work loose.
A Hafler and the SAE’s I have/have had would rank as the top two of my favorites.

 

[justjed2]

If you want new, you can get a Parasound Zpre3 for $360. With remote, and headphone capability. And warranty. No phono stage, tho. It's not a purist's pre, by any means, it's all about how many features can they stuff into a little box. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

Vintage has the issue of parts replacement, but can be worth it. I have an Adcom GTP-500 that I used for a few years, needs a re-cap and a remote. It was decent, but not great sounding, as I recall. I currently run a recently rebuilt Kenwood Basic C2, the phono stage is quite good.

 

[wmgwizard]

If you have efficient speakers and don't need a ton of power and don't want to take up a ton of space the Parasound Z series of components are tough to beat.

The Zamp is rated at 40wpc but is bridgable for 80w x 1. They are built well with a toroidal transformer, full size speaker connections and an IEC power cord. They can be bought used for around $150 or less.

The Zpre is also solidly built and as mentioned comes with a remote and headphone jack. $150 - $350 used/new.

Parasound also makes a Zphono preamp that matches the other Z series components.

You could build a solid system with 2 Zamps, a Zpre and Zphono within your budget if you shop smart.

 

[sqlsavior]

Realistic 42-2109 phono preamp +

Promitheus TVC transformer volume control +


Lepai LP-2020A+


All three are 'keepers' in a sense. The TVC is the basis for a minimalist, high performance audio system.

In the meantime, keep the volume on the Lepai all the way up, or nearly so (for level matching), and disengage the tone controls.