Looking for a Preamp

[izafar]

Hi,

I am working on improving my 2 CH setup and have started with the source first. I will be getting Arcam CD73T today. I am also looking for adding a dedicated 2 CH preamp in the mix. I have budget of around $350 and looking for units with Remote Control & Phono Section. So far have narrowed it down to the following two:

Rotel RC 1070
Parasound PLD 1100 (no phono section I believe).

What do you guys think about these, and what other pieces I should be looking at?

thanks,

[zombie boy 2000]

Congrats on the Arcam CD73T... this is the exact same player I intend to pick up. Did you get it in black or silver?

Let me know your impressions... I've been salivating over it for a couple of months now.

[zombie boy 2000]

How about an Acurus RL11 or LS11? They should be well within your price range and are reputed to perform quite admirably...

[izafar]

Congrats on the Arcam CD73T... this is the exact same player I intend to pick up. Did you get it in black or silver?

Let me know your impressions... I've been salivating over it for a couple of months now.

This is in silver, and will be delivered today. I will report my impression soon.

[polkatese]

nice pick! congrats.

[izafar]

How about an Acurus RL11 or LS11? They should be well within your price range and are reputed to perform quite admirably...

There is an LS11 on bay and I will be watching it. There is also an RL11 + A80 amp combo on audiogon. I am asking seller if he can sell pre-amp individually.

[zombie boy 2000]

Good call... I believe the only difference between the two is a remote control. Otherwise, one can usually be had for about $75 cheaper than the other. Don't quiz me right now, because I confuse the two model #'s:p

At their general used pricepoint, they're considered a tremendous value. If you haven't already done so, read up on 'em.

edit-- LS11 is without remote

[zombie boy 2000]

I also think Zero has a IRD purist preamp for sale in the flea market. I'm sure he would be more than happy to give you all the info you need if you shoot him a PM. Should be somewhat in your price range as well.

[Zero]

If you are looking for an active solid state pre-amplifier with a great phono stage, the Adcom GFP-565 is a fan-tastic piece that is worth a serious look into. In fact, the magnetic coil phono stage is what this particular unit is known for. Regular analog playback via: CD is also pretty on point.

I listed the IRD on the gon and am getting a number of hits so its safe to say it probably wont be available. Its for a good reason - its a beast of an active pre that crushes nearly all of the competition in its price range. It's leaps and bounds beyond Adcom, Parasound, Rotel, and even a few entry level tube pre's I've tried. The downside is that it lacks a remote and a phono stage, which may nix that idea.

Good luck!

edit: In regards to the IRD, while I strongly feel it is sonically a superior machine to whats available on the market in like-designs... I am speaking more from the stand-point of build quality and circuit design. Just something to clarify for the upity folk 'round here.

[heiney9]

Adcom is a solid choice; and if you are looking for a stellar phono section and excellent build quality the Nakamichi CA-5 and CA-5II are real sleepers and can be had on the very cheap.

The CA-5II has tone controls the CA-5 does not. Great sounding pre (better than the Adcom IMHO) soild build quality and usually less than $250.

H9

[izafar]

Thanks guys for the good suggestions, I have added Adcom GFP-565 to the list.

[Toka78]

Keep an eye out for a Yamaha CX-1 while you are looking around...somewhat hard to find but its very well built, and meets your requirements (I think so anyway, I have no idea what they garner on the used market these days). Not the best Yamaha made but it has a remote at least. Dead-quiet phono section too, even for MC carts.

[GATOR3000]

Don’t mean to hijack the thread, does anyone has any input on Denon Pra-1500 preamp? I have the opportunity to get one for a decent $$.

Thanks

Gator :) :)

[Toka78]

Don’t mean to hijack the thread, does anyone has any input on Denon Pra-1500 preamp? I have the opportunity to get one for a decent $$.

Never heard one myself, but its very versatile as far as inputs/outputs go (balanced outs, passive/active modes, subsonic filter, etc.). Has some video options too...not usually a good omen for audio performance but that isn't a rule. Should have a remote too. Looks well built, as Denon's of that era are known to be. Not sure what a 'decent' price would be, but its rather rare to see on US soil so its probably worth going for...could probably flip it if you don't like it.

[DarqueKnight]

Thanks guys for the good suggestions, I have added Adcom GFP-565 to the list.

The Adcom and the Nakamichi preamps do not have remote controls. I have owned all three and they all have good phono sections. I liked the phono section of the Nak CA-5A II the best.

[Lsi9]

outlaw 990 if you have the space, sounds exellent and has phono (which I enjoy at a friends house)

[reeltrouble1]

The Older NAD series of pre amp do not have a remote but they are at the top of the game for ss sound quality and features, noted phono stages are exceptional, I still have my NAD 1130. You can pick them up on the Gon for little dough.

RT1

[marantz 2325]

to be really honest with u look at the old marantz so far by what ive heard an seen there one of the best crisp clean sound im runnin all marantz stuff ive had the same system for bout f15 yrs now not one prob im also runnin an amp called the ampzilla made by a company in cali g.a.s. they r no longer in bussinness though do a google search on it great american sound ull be impressed