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Recommend a Preamp, please

stratmel

stratmel

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
My son just acquired a gorgeous B&K Reference 125.2 and is looking for a compatible pre. The B&K preamps (5s2 and PT5) are very nice, but do not have phono in, which he needs. Of course an outboard phono stage would work, but is an added expense. His budget is in the 300-400 range.
Do any of you have a setup with this amp? If so, what do you use for a pre? Any recommendations, observations or advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
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Pretty sure neither of those Schiit pres have a built in phono section. Emotiva makes a cheap full feature pre. Honestly, I’d just get a BK PT3 or PT5 and an outboard phono. Should be able to do that in his budget.
 
i've got a b&k vmr654 that i use for 2ch. i use a fisher cc3000 as a pre with it. 3 phono inputs. mc, mm and mm with adjustable loading. 2 tape monitors with bi directional dubbing. tuner and aux inputs. i like it alot. be prepared to do some work to it if you go that route. controls will need a good cleaning. lots of glue used on larger caps . recap will be in order and the nylon couplers will need repairs but you can pick them up for less than $200 used. 20 bux in caps and a few hours of your time and all will be fine.

there are no known problematic transistors in the unit and of the 2 i've done, i've not had to replace any.
 
Carver C-1, Proton AP-1000, Audio Dynamics C-200 / DBX CX-3 would all be solid performers in that price range. All have MM & MC phono stages!
 
Used Saga's come up for sale, from time to time. In fact, there is currently one offered on a well known site (not ebay). Add a Schiit Mani and you're a little below your upper limit.

I use an original Saga with my B&K ex4420, and love it.
 
just thought I would see what the bay had to offer since this isn't a tt which would not be packed properly and probably destroyed in shipping. A small lightweight preamp should make it.

Luxman TP-117 tuner preamp with remote
Nikko Beta 20
A few Haflers

are some to consider.
 
Thanks for all the great replies, y'all. Now have a lot to research and some great direction. I really appreciate everyone's input. I like the Schitt Saga/Mani combo idea, but who knows what he'll want to do.
 
Any Rotel preamp, very well made and superb specs , I just got a RC-870BK and I love it, very good design too


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there are a ton on ebay for a good price

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3742532479...o/EpabXAWQMN+p1B812+B+XvDmip|tkp:BFBM6Lvf1ulg
 
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