Pre-amp recomendations

[Spawndn72]

Current system:

Adcom GTP-400 pre-amp
Adcom 545 amp
Dual 704 TT
Pioneer DVD/Multi-format player
Rt-707 R2R

So help me replace that GTP-400. What would you guys recomend. I want a definate upgrade. I don't want to spend over $500, $250 would be even better. I need it to have a phono pre built in.

Thanks,
Todd

[steveinaz]

How about a GFP-750? On ebay alot for 1/2 or less what they cost new.

[heiney9]

Your GTP-400 is a pretty decent pre. I can't remember, does that have a phono section? A unit to consider is the Nakamichi CA-5. It has a fantastic phono section. Some here may say it's more of a lateral move. I think it's quite a bit better than the GTP-400. I've owned both and the Nak is simply a great, open, solid preamp. Build quality is top notch. The only other afforable pre I'd consider replacing my Nak with is the GFP-750. However, the GFP-750 has no phono section. Audiogon has a couple of CA-5's I bet you could get them less than the listed price. For some reason the CA-5 is mostly overlooked. Mine was manufactured in 1986 and is still running like new today.

FWIW

H9

[Spawndn72]

Glad you said the 750 did not have a phono section. I have to have a phono. I will look into the Nak. My Gtp-400 is not a bad pre, it's just the one I have is not in very good shape and I figure as long as I am going to be getting a new one, I might as well upgrade.

[steveinaz]

Sorry about that bud, I thought it had a phono section. My bad. There are some Parasound P/HP-850's on the bay.

[steveinaz]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14974&item=5777878006&rd=1

Nice NAD

[W WALDECKER]

the odyssey tempest has a great phono section and offers a clear window into the sound of your upstream components you may be able to find a used one but it is hard to find one because people tend to hold on to them. i have had many good preamps including the rotel rc1090.parasound php 850. and the bk avp2030 and though they are all good they cant even play in the same yard as the odyssey tempest. if you can find a used tempest from the original owner the balance of the twenty year warranty is transferable to you. these units are built one at a time in america and are based on the symphonic line rg 2 mk 3 preamp that retails for about $4000 u.s. i dont think you can find a better preamp for the money.

[dorokusai]

Why do 75% of your posts sound like advertisements for your friend Klaus and Odyssey Audio. It's starting to be yawn inducing rhetoric.

I've heard a couple pieces and it's solid gear for sure, but there is gear that is better and gear on the same level.

[W WALDECKER]

i was just offering a option of which there are many others for sure . i dont advertise for any one or any brand the fact that i recommend odyssey gear is based on my personal experience based on cost vs performance. it has nothing to do with rhetoric it is just one opinion in a sea of many. if i come off that way it is just that i am enthusiastic about the gear. in the future i will try to tone down this trait if it bothers people. but i dont feel the need to apologise for it after all everyone is entitled to a opinion. forums are supposed to allow people to express thier ideas, thoughts. experiences and opinions. am i right? p.s was the ctc barbeque designed by john curl and friends and is it the precursor to the parasound jp 1 monoblocks?

[dorokusai]

I digress, as I have probably been on the horn for things now and then....it just struck me as a little over the top for so few forum posts.

I guess in the end it's really just excitement that drives our opinions, especially when the gear actually does change our perspective on audio.

Have fun with those hardcore monoblocks. be sure to tell the neighbors that it's only turned up halfway when they complain ;)

P.S. Yes, and yes.