Preamp hunting: must have a phono stage and remote capabilities.

[treasurehunt]

Hey guys,

Looking to shop around for a new preamp! I currently have an Adcom GTP-506 and am looking to upgrade.

What I like about the Adcom:
- Remote (motorized volume knob looks pretty cool too)
- Excellent tuner
- Plenty of inputs
- Works as the beefiest headphone amp I have ever used
- Multi-room capability
- Got it for free

What I don't like:
- No phono stage
- Volume increases exponentially around the 12:00 mark (broken)
- Switched outlets on the back are not actually switched (broken)
- Not vintage enough

I had thought about the Carver CT-17, since it has a phono stage and an IR remote, looks very 80s, and is priced reasonably, however I have read mixed reviews regarding sound quality. Some love it, especially for the Sonic Holography, while some think it sounds thin and hate the Sonic Holography. Any opinions on this unit?

Really, I am just trying to come up with a couple of options. Any suggestions are welcomed! Thanks!

 

[xero-D-hero]

Just curious,if you like the Adcom have you given any thought to getting it fixed and just adding an external phono preamp ?
Also you did'nt mention what the rest of the system is comprised of ??
Will definitely help us to know what TT & cart are you using ???

Anyhow keep in mind that many (most) vinatage preamps that match all ^^^^ that ^^^^ criteria are going to be more of a lateral move than an "upgrade" per-se.

Me,I personally like the Adcom GTP's myself.
I feel they represent a good "bang for the buck" preamp,currently I have three of them (all w/remotes) and the GTP-500 even has a nice phono section in it.
(though the GTP-450 & GTP-502 do not).

I also like the NAD preamps as well,and most those have nice phono sections,but not too many of them have remote capability.
Usually their integrateds had remotes,and those would have pre-outs so they could be used as a preamp with an external power amp.
(example: the Monitor series 3400 integrated).

Might also look into some of the Onkyo preamps,I have a P-301 and that has a MM input and also had a remote,so I'm sure they have other preamps that have those features.

Denon also had some preamps that had remotes.
The PRA-1500 & DAP-2500 both had remotes,and those are very nice preamps,and IIRC they both have phono sections as well.

If any more come to mind I'll try to drop back in and let you know.

HTH

Bret P.

 

[treasurehunt]

Hey, thanks! That had crossed my mind, however I figured that by the time I sunk enough money into the Adcom to fix it I might be able to upgrade for around the same price. That idea is definitely not off the table though... It does sound quite good.

The current setup consists of the Adcom feeding a Crown XLS-2500 pushing four Cerwin Vega D9s. It's lots of fun... My roommate has a Technics SL-B200 and a Behringer phono preamp that we use with the Adcom. That sounds good, although I am sure there are better options out there.

I'll take a look at those. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[daveg3588]

I currently use a GTP 600, with a DJ art in my everyday system, it is a good combination. Carts alternate between shure IV and Ortofon VMS 20 FL. Enjoy the music, there is always something better out there

 

[4-2-7]

McIntosh C100 or C200, two box design and more inputs/outputs than I'v ever seen on a 2ch preamp. Just the ortofon step up transformer is worth the price of this preamp.

 

[daveg3588]

I do have the Ortofon MCA-76 MC step up, and yes it is worth it.

 

[musichal]

When you combine preamp, remote and budget, I can't help but wonder about the Akitika preamp which comes as a diy kit, $450 with remote.

I've seen no reviews, other than blurbs at the site. Anybody tried one?

 

[eric0108]

Lately I have been looking at the Akitika amp and preamp kits, the site has good reviews (obviously). I'm debating which kit to buy. I have a Technics SA-700, a Harman Kardon PM-655, and an old older Pioneer Q-8000, all of which I can separate the amp and preamp sections. I also have a Carver C-4000 and and Audible Illusions Modulus 2D tube preamp. I have the urge to build a kit, just not sure if it should be an amp or preamp. The Akitika preamp looks like a more interesting build, but I don't have a dedicated amp. Not much help to you, but the kits look good.