Looking for decent cheap pre-amp

[ledhed]

Ok, this kind of relates back to my previous post HERE (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46057). I was doing some thinking of what I have currently available and I realized I could hook a pre-amp to my Pioneer sx-1280 (Can't be on the shelf the rest of my stuff is on - it is massive and weighs 80 pounds) and hopefully, I could get it quieter than what was achievable before.

So, I need a pre-amp with two inputs. And less than 300 would be great but 400 would be acceptable. Any suggestions?

[Home Theatre]

In the for sale section marcpam had a great outlaw pre-amp/processor for 400. I would grab that one.

[izafar]

try this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/KILLER-Parasound-PSP-1000-Preamp-REMOTE-Sub-out_W0QQitemZ290046525753QQihZ019QQcategoryZ14974Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

[Home Theatre]

I would just try to find a nice new or used receiver with pre-outs?

[reeltrouble1]

No, a receiver has alot of shared circuity has amp/heat issues etc. In general a dedicated pre trumps a reciever.

RT1

[mhardy6647]

Doc Bottlehead's current version of his venerable "Foreplay" is in your price range, but it's a kit.
http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/foreplay3/foreplay3.htm
http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/foreplay3/foreplay3_filtered.jpg

Mark Deneen (Juicy Music) has a very intriguing entry-level preamp called "Merlin". It's out of your price range a bit, but I believe he said a kit version of this is forthcoming too.
http://www.juicymusicaudio.com/webpages/merlin.html
http://www.juicymusicaudio.com/images/merlin-controls500px.jpg

Bruce Rosenblits' Transcendent Sound "Grounded Grid" preamp kit would be interesting, too.
http://www.transcendentsound.com/preamp%20kit.htm
http://www.transcendentsound.com/TranscendentGGfront01.jpg


In terms of pre-built ones, consider used Yamaha or Luxman products from the 1970's or early 1980's, the APT Holman, or the Hafler preamp (DH-101?) of the same era. All were good, and not expensive (used).

[mhardy6647]

This little toy, desinged primarly as an entry-level headphone amp, coupled with a function selector switch makes an amazingly good preamp. It's safe, cheap, and easy to build.

http://www.pmillett.com/hybrid_head.htm

http://www.pmillett.com/images/hybrid_head.JPG

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/mhardy6647/realhifiglows.jpg

[ledhed]

Thanks for all the replies and offerings. I've been doing alot of thinking and really, right now probably isn't the best time to be getting a better stereo. I'm in college and can't listen at levels I enjoy anyway and also, I figured my money can go into things I actually need and not just desire.

Actually, I've been looking at the Denon 685 and HK 3480 receivers to just replace what I have now in an easy convenience (and around 200) but, I just decided that maybe I should hold off on buying anything. Of course, all that means is more research time and that prices will be lower later :)

Thanks for all the input, I'll come back here next time I have a wondering and hopefully I'll have the money for it too :D

[shack]

Actually, I've been looking at the Denon 685 and HK 3480 receivers to just replace what I have now in an easy convenience (and around 200) but, I just decided that maybe I should hold off on buying anything. Of course, all that means is more research time and that prices will be lower later

You could do a lot worse than the Denon DRA-685. I have one and for ease of use, space considerations and sound/quality for the price it is hard to beat.

As far as a reasonably priced pre, keep your eyes open for a used Dodd ELP or a Dared SL2000. They show up from time to time in your price range.

[surfntomm]

ok well since he is no longer looking for a pre, i am but my price range is not as high. id like to stay under 250 if possible.

i like all the DIY kits and am pretty much looking for one of those since it really cuts down on costs. are there any kits in my price range? id prefer if the kit was a tube kit so that i can try out some tubes since ive never heard a system with tubes in it before o0

im also in college hence the low budget. i cant justify spending more on a pre than i did on my speakers (300 for lsi7's).

so pretty much any DIY sounds fun or older models that i can look for on ebay or audiogon. ive been looking at rotel rc 960,970,980 pre amps but have not heard any reviews about them. anyone know how the parasound zpre2 is?

[surfntomm]

bump...