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Preamp for around $1000??

bane.oh

bane.oh

Active Member
Hi everyone!

TLDR: I'm looking for recommendations on a new or used preamp/streamer to go with my Adcom GFA-555ii and KEF 104/2's for around $1000.

It's been a while since I've posted but I got my system pretty dialed and I was just enjoying it. Well, my Marantz 2270 that was running preamp duty for an Adcom GFA-555ii is in need of repair so I want to get a proper preamp. I have been trying to catch up on all the new gear and tech but there are so many new products it's become overwhelming. I am here hoping to get some opinions on your favorite new gear or a solid vintage performer for around $1000.

I mainly listen to vinyl, but my wife and I stream occasionally. I am considering a dedicated streamer alongside a proper preamp because right now I use a Chromecast Audio to a Topping DAC. So do I get a streamer that can work as a preamp like the Cambridge Audio CXN100 and add a phono stage? I feel like I lose a lot of functionality over a dedicated preamp. Or should I get the new Adcom GFP-915SE to compliment my GFA-555ii and a separate streamer? I like the idea of a remote and tone controls. I'm not looking to go tube. Sub out would be a plus.

Looking forward to hearing your recommendations!

Thanks!
 
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Adcom GFA 750 used. Mic drop. It is the best sounding preamp Adcom built and it matches your amp’s aesthetics. It’s one of the finest sounding preamps I’ve owned, and one of the few pieces I regret selling.

The downsides:
No phono preamp. But there are a lot of great ones out threre for not a lot of coin.
No separate Sub out.

I’m not a fan of ‘all-in-one’ boxes because if you want to upgrade you’ve got to ditch the whole shebang to the curb and start over.
 
W9TR said:
Adcom GFA 750 used. Mic drop. It is the best sounding preamp Adcom built and it matches your amp’s aesthetics. It’s one of the finest sounding preamps I’ve owned, and one of the few pieces I regret selling.

The downsides:
No phono preamp. But there are a lot of great ones out threre for not a lot of coin.
No separate Sub out.

I’m not a fan of ‘all-in-one’ boxes because if you want to upgrade you’ve got to ditch the whole shebang to the curb and start over.
Click to expand...
I have been searching locally for over a year. They are pretty rare I think. I didn't know it doesn't have a phono section, that's lame. If I find one for around $1000 I'll grab it.
 
Finding an affordable preamp from the last 20 years or so, or even new, with a decent phono stage is not going to be an easy task. I wouldn't consider a phono stage to be a necessity, as even a relatively inexpensive stand-alone pre, say $100-250, will easily better many onboard phono stages. I consider the iFi Zen Phono to be better than the phono stage in my Adcom GTP-500, for whatever that's worth, and I think the Adcom is pretty good.

Plus, my usual recommendation is that, when it comes to vinyl, you should always get the best you can afford, even if you can't really afford it.
 
The nikko preamps have some excellent phono stages, many with on the fly adjustments. They're still bargains, and very very easy to work on.
 
2 ways you can go with your search. 1- Do what you are doing and get recommendations which may never be available unless they are new retail. 2- Look every day in Marketplace or your fav. search place. As you see preamps available you do a search and add Audiokarma to the search line. It's what I have done for 30+ years but back in the day it was Craigslist. That's my $10 suggestion in reality.

My point is - well hopefully you get my point.
 
Check out the Wyred4Sound preamps. I have their STP SE model, and it does a good job of boosting the signal with those first few dB and gives it to the amp.
 
For vinyl ... do your research because every phono stage is a lsttle different from every other..

Audible Illusions & SuperPhon made some exceptional phono stages.
Counterpoint ... Conrad Johnson ..

Take your time and ..
Enjoy the Music..
 
Fosi P4 or ZP3 for preamp duties and remote control. Wiim Pro for streaming. If you want to spend more money, one of the Schiit Saga preamp models with the Wiim Pro. As a rule, stereo preamp separates are WAY more expensive than they have a right to be IMO, and I don't miss needing to consider spending on one. Something like the Fosi P4, with three RCA inputs and sub out, plus remote volume, provides all one really needs from a preamp while costing a pittance.

In 2026 I wouldn't ever consider an old, used 'vintage' preamp. Too much potential for trouble, too few old technicians left to fix them, just a losing proposition all the way around. If you look beyond Fosi and Schiit for something new in a conventional preamp you're looking at big money needlessly spent IMO.

Fosi P4, Fosi ZP3, Schiit Saga, those are your best options IMO. You can always use a DAC/streamer with volume control as a 'sort of' preamp option, so there's that, but for functionality that we all recognize as preamp with multiple inputs, gain, remote volume control, the ones I listed above are the best, most affordable options. With the performance available in 2026 why spend more?
 
I really like my Schiit Mani II phono preamp. I haven't tested too many of these things so I can't really comment on the competition, but I have owned a couple of other inexpensive ones and I like this one the best. It's just $150 and has a ton of adjustments so that you can really tailor it to any cartridge you're using.
 
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Here's a Parasound P6 with remote for around $750 US

www.canuckaudiomart.com

Parasound Halo P6 Preamplifier

Parasound Halo P6 PreamplifierBlack. In excellent working order. Cosmetically, three scratches on top courtesy of my phono preamp. Otherwise fine. Comes with AC cord, remote, and manual.Review snippets...> The Halo P 6 preamplifier can do it all when it comes to a preamp – if it is even fair to...
www.canuckaudiomart.com www.canuckaudiomart.com
 
You’d still need a phono stage, but there are a couple of PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC/preamps on USAM for under your budget. I run a Directstream in my main rig, and a DL III in my other system, and have found both DACs to be excellent.
 
Mart Mccall said:
Sony TAE 1000ESD

Sony TA-E1000ESD on thevintageknob.org

vintage Sony 1980s ES surround Dolby Pro-Logic preamplifier - world bestseller
www.thevintageknob.org www.thevintageknob.org

Around $450 so you can get a streamer too and still be under budget.
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I have been looking at that one! There's one for $250 near me in great shape. It's so pretty and era appropriate for the rest of my setup. The inclusion of pro logic and the early DAC concern me.
 
DavidTT said:
Fosi P4 or ZP3 for preamp duties and remote control. Wiim Pro for streaming. If you want to spend more money, one of the Schiit Saga preamp models with the Wiim Pro. As a rule, stereo preamp separates are WAY more expensive than they have a right to be IMO, and I don't miss needing to consider spending on one. Something like the Fosi P4, with three RCA inputs and sub out, plus remote volume, provides all one really needs from a preamp while costing a pittance.

In 2026 I wouldn't ever consider an old, used 'vintage' preamp. Too much potential for trouble, too few old technicians left to fix them, just a losing proposition all the way around. If you look beyond Fosi and Schiit for something new in a conventional preamp you're looking at big money needlessly spent IMO.

Fosi P4, Fosi ZP3, Schiit Saga, those are your best options IMO. You can always use a DAC/streamer with volume control as a 'sort of' preamp option, so there's that, but for functionality that we all recognize as preamp with multiple inputs, gain, remote volume control, the ones I listed above are the best, most affordable options. With the performance available in 2026 why spend more?
Click to expand...
I'll look into these. I am terrified to let anyone work on my Marantz.
 
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