RRR Posted October 23, 2021 Share Posted October 23, 2021 My Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiva Posted October 23, 2021 Share Posted October 23, 2021 How many inputs do you need, XLR outs perhaps? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absolve2525 Posted October 23, 2021 Share Posted October 23, 2021 What's wrong with the NAD? I have a couple of those 1600 and they sound great. There's a retro magazine review online that raved about it, I think Audio magazine. Too bad modern preamp don't have all the nice eq options like Loudness and Bass EQ. It could probably use a recap with modern capacitors, if you have a stereo tech in your area. Replacing caps isn't too hard, really, if you know how to solder. You could get some high quality film caps to use in sections where applicable also. There are often recap kits on eBay, and there's a seller on Reverb who will custom make recap kits upon request. He's out of Ohio, where I'm at. Anyway, good look with your search! I've heard good things about modern Parasound preamps, and I'm sure modern NAD preamps are nice too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRR Posted October 23, 2021 Author Share Posted October 23, 2021 2-3 min W integrated phono preferred. No XLR currently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRR Posted October 23, 2021 Author Share Posted October 23, 2021 The NAD has issues and zero phono currently. My experience with repairs on gear is done with. Going for something new. I saw the new NAD looks ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
absolve2525 Posted October 23, 2021 Share Posted October 23, 2021 Cool, let us know what you end up with! I see some neat hand-made tube preamps on Ebay also. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRR Posted October 23, 2021 Author Share Posted October 23, 2021 Looking at the Rotel and Parasound, haven't heard either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted October 23, 2021 Share Posted October 23, 2021 33 minutes ago, jason str said: The NAD has issues and zero phono currently. My experience with repairs on gear is done with. Going for something new. I saw the new NAD looks ok. Yes, having a decent phono section and remote a good thing. Rotel, Parasound worth investigating likely. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff. Posted October 23, 2021 Share Posted October 23, 2021 I lucked into a used NAD C-165 preamp and Emotiva XPA-2 Gen3 last year for pretty much a “2 for 1” deal. Having last owned a NAD C-162 feeding a couple of C-372’s amp sections, I was floored by the significant increase in sound quality. I will say without a doubt though, as @absolve2525 mentioned, if it wasn’t for the Emotiva amp’s powerful bass performance I would miss the more versatile tone/EQ controls of the older preamps. The newer preamps only give like +/- 5 db boost to the bass and treble now. And no loudness control, pfffft... I think the closest I ever get to listening to music “flat” is with the La Scala Splits, and even then I like a little more treble, and that’s WITH a pair of SMAHL lenses and DE-120 drivers. One thing is for sure though, this hobby, or passion, hasn’t gotten any cheaper. Each incremental step seems to be closer to a week’s take home pay. Thank goodness for the other hobbyists that pass their used stuff on to a good home for a fair price as they continue their journey. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joecoulson Posted October 23, 2021 Share Posted October 23, 2021 I have the Parasound P6 and it’s phenomenal for its price. More inputs than you could ever use, phono preamp (which I have not used) DAC (have not used either) and incredible bass management if you ever want to add a subwoofer. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEH Synergy Posted October 23, 2021 Share Posted October 23, 2021 24 minutes ago, Joecoulson said: I have the Parasound P6 and it’s phenomenal for its price. More inputs than you could ever use, phono preamp (which I have not used) DAC (have not used either) and incredible bass management if you ever want to add a subwoofer. Second vote after owning it. If I wasn't using a DAC straight into the amp, I would still have the p6. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRR Posted October 23, 2021 Author Share Posted October 23, 2021 Reading up on that Parasound the other day. Like it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEH Synergy Posted October 23, 2021 Share Posted October 23, 2021 5 minutes ago, jason str said: Reading up on that Parasound the other day. Like it. Its the Swiss army knife of preamps. Not to mention, you can get a discount on them new.... Even the volume memorization feature is nice. Balanced inputs and outputs, defeatable eq, remote, defeatable crossovers, solid onboard DAC. What's not to like? For the price point, new, I think it's a winner. Not to mention the SQ is excellent. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtr20 Posted October 24, 2021 Share Posted October 24, 2021 I love my Parasound p6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avguytx Posted October 24, 2021 Share Posted October 24, 2021 I currently use an Onkyo Reference P-3000R which has served me well with its analog and digital inputs plus a very good DAC built in. I also have a fully rebuilt Carver C-1 preamp that's had over 200 parts changed on it plus added remote volume control. But, I'm pondering buying one of the NAD C658 preamps with BlueOS built in. I'm wanting something that does a step up better at streaming than going from PC to preamp. Not to mention I used to be an NAD rep and still in good with the people at Lennrook. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWL Posted October 24, 2021 Share Posted October 24, 2021 A friend of mine had that Parasound and let me borrow it to check it out. It's a nice preamp. Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shakeydeal Posted October 24, 2021 Share Posted October 24, 2021 What is your budget? And do you need phono? If so, MM and MC? Remote a must? The NAD should be pretty easy to beat sonically. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonzo Posted October 24, 2021 Share Posted October 24, 2021 I just ordered a NAD C-165 BEE, they were on back order like everything else. Anyway, it should be here Tuesday and I will let you know what I think. I chose it because it checked all the boxes and was within my budget. I don't need a built in DAC or balanced inputs. I plan to biamp at some point so the two outs with one that is adjustable is a plus. I use a powered sub and it has a dedicated sub out. MM/MC phono stage and a remote rounds out my wants. My old Tandberg 3002 A is a great pre and has been mostly restored. It's just a bit dated and, no remote or second output. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRR Posted October 24, 2021 Author Share Posted October 24, 2021 4 hours ago, Shakeydeal said: What is your budget? And do you need phono? If so, MM and MC? Remote a must? The NAD should be pretty easy to beat sonically. The budget was gone long ago. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pallpoul Posted October 24, 2021 Share Posted October 24, 2021 What about the new Dennis Had tube pre amplifier.? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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