Mighty Favog Posted May 14, 2001 Share Posted May 14, 2001 Much like what HORNED is asking I need a new preamp. However my buget is a little more limited and I'm interested in an SS unit. I'd say $1500 TOPS, and even that's a strech. My needs are as follows: Inputs: 1 Tape loop (preferably two) 1 CD 1 Tuner 1 Aux. 1 Phono (MM) External Processor Loop Outputs: 1 set of Mains (two would be nice if bi-amping later) 1 for each tape loop Other Needs: Loudness switch Tone Controls not necessary Headphone jack would be nice but not crucial ------------------ Tom KLF-20 Mahogany Carver C-1 Rotel RB-1080 Yamaha PF-800 Turntable/ Sure V15 Type V Cartridge Carver TL-3100 CD Yamaha K-1020 Cassette (maybe being mothballed) dbx 1231 EQ H.H. Scott 830z Analyzer Monster Interlink 400mk II Monster Interlink 300 mk II Original 12ga. Monster Cable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myram Posted May 14, 2001 Share Posted May 14, 2001 I use a NAD 1600 preamp/tuner, and it has served me well for 10 years now. It has all the features that you are looking for, and you can find them on ebay for around $350-400 in excellent condition. Not sure if that is something that you are looking for, but thought I would give a response anyhow. Good Luck, Steve ------------------ Home Theater System: Klipsch Quartets - mains for both systems Klipsch KV3 - center Klipsch KG.5's - rear surrounds Klipsch KSW12 subwoofer Denon AVR-1601 Music System: Adcom GFA-555 Musical Concepts Modified NAD 1600 Pre/Tuner Sony C-67ES CD Player Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysal Posted May 15, 2001 Share Posted May 15, 2001 tblasing, based on your specs that sounds like a McIntosh...no? almost the only guys who have the guts to keep a loudness control! have you seen the C31V? C39? check them out at roger russels page http://www.sundial.net/~rogerr/preamps.htm good luck! tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted May 15, 2001 Author Share Posted May 15, 2001 sunnysal, Thanks for the suggestions but $1800 to $4000 was bit more than I have to spend. The C15 is looking like a possibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted May 15, 2001 Share Posted May 15, 2001 I believe these will meet your needs. Some of them are even "Klipsch" Products. I'm certain the Aragon will meet any sonic standard you'd want at $1200. The Acurus preamps can often be bought at a small discount. http://www.klipsch.com/index.asp?path=/products/mondialdetail.asp?frame=y&id=305&line=&1 http://www.klipsch.com/index.asp?path=/products/mondialdetail.asp?frame=y&id=304&line=&1 http://www.klipsch.com/index.asp?path=/products/mondialdetail.asp?frame=y&id=318&line=mondial&1 http://www.parasound.com/products/preamps/pld1100.html http://www.bkcomp.com/preamp.html I couldn't get a price on the B&K, but I suspect it is about $1k or less. These are all 2-channel. You're not going to get much HT Pre/Pro for <$1500 new. A used Pre/Pro would be in your range. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted May 15, 2001 Share Posted May 15, 2001 I've seen McIntosh C39 preamps go for under $1500 in the used market in the past year, but generally they trade for about $1800 or so. As far as I can tell, this would be just about the perfect preamp for you. You can find C15s in the used market for $700-$800, bso that's even better (but it's nowhere near the piece of equipment the C39 is). Both of these units are built like tanks and will provide YEARS of service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysal Posted May 16, 2001 Share Posted May 16, 2001 tblasing, go to http://www.audioclassics.com they have the C31V for less than a thousand, the others are all less than $1,500...this a reliable source, I have bought McIntosh equipment from them in the past, it is always as advertised! give it a look before giving up on the Macs! regards, tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted May 16, 2001 Author Share Posted May 16, 2001 Thanks guys for all the input and keep it commin'. I do have to through in another criteria though, this systen is definitely not going HT, TV? yes. But not HT. The room it's in won't allow for it. The input really is great, KEEP IT COMMIN'! Sal, How 'bout the C27? This message has been edited by tblasing on 05-16-2001 at 10:48 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacKlipsch Posted May 17, 2001 Share Posted May 17, 2001 I have a C-15 that I got from Audio Classics about 3 months ago for about $1000, shipping included. It's a stripped down version of the C-40 without all the extra tape loops etc. It was a buy back from a dealer that was selling inventory. Like new. These guys have lots of Mac stuff, and it is always as described, plus they warranty their equipment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Klappenberger Posted May 17, 2001 Share Posted May 17, 2001 Tom, As an avid "old" McIntosh fan, I suggest virtually any model! I use the C34V myself and I love the "Compander" feature. It will reduce the noise associated with FM stations very nicely when set to expand. I have also used a C27 and it was very good also. The one most people seem to think is the one to avoid though is the C28, but I am really not sure why. Al K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted May 17, 2001 Author Share Posted May 17, 2001 ALK, Thanks for the heads-up on the C28. I saw one on eBay for $600 and was this close to getting it. I just saw a C27 on Audio classics for $650 in mint condition. Sound like the best one so far? This message has been edited by tblasing on 05-17-2001 at 05:55 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacKlipsch Posted May 17, 2001 Share Posted May 17, 2001 Tom, The prices quoted on the website are negotable. They will cut you a better deal. I have dealt with Ryan, but am sure all will treat you right. I have bought 3 Mac pieces from them and have been very pleased. Believe me, I was very nervous about buying sight unseen, but was pleasantly surprised. Good luck.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Klappenberger Posted May 17, 2001 Share Posted May 17, 2001 Tom, I second what Fred says about Audio Classics. I have bought most of my Mac stuff from them. They are very reliable. I even got the meters and knobs for my home-made power-monitor / scope from them. Interesting foot-note. Klipsch is using a Mac C28 to run the amp for their anechoic test chamber in Hope. I really don't know what that implies though! AL K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted May 17, 2001 Author Share Posted May 17, 2001 Gee, this is going to be a major coin flip. The C27 or the C28. Life is too hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Klappenberger Posted May 18, 2001 Share Posted May 18, 2001 Tom, Here's some good info on the Mac C27 (all all the rest of thier stuff too): http://www.sundial.net/~rogerr/preamps.htm#c27 Al K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacKlipsch Posted May 19, 2001 Share Posted May 19, 2001 Tom, For your $1500 budget, you can pick up something in their 30 series (C-32, C-34 etc.) and come pretty damn close to a C-40. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted May 19, 2001 Author Share Posted May 19, 2001 You guys have been great helping me through this. Thanks to Al "The Mac God" K's hyperlink I think a decision has been made. It's down to one of two, the C-30 or the C-35. I didn't see either one of them on Audio Classics but that doesn't mean they won't get them. I found another site that claims to have them, http://www.esper.com/macaudio . Any one know anything about these people? I'll have to wait a while before I get it. Just ordered the LAST U-48RW First Edition rack/cabinet from StudioTech yesterday. Half price mind ya! After that recovery we'll get the Big Mac! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Klappenberger Posted May 19, 2001 Share Posted May 19, 2001 Tom, Yes I know of "Esper". That is "Audio Referbishers". I think the guys name is Tom Manley. Anyhow, I got my MCD7007 CD player from him. It turned out it had a tracking problem when I got it. It had just been worked on my McIntohs and they couldn't find the trouble becasue it wouldn't malfunction when they had it. I found ot myself that it was heat related. Mr Manley took it back and had it sent to McIntosh again and repaired right. The drive motor was bad. It was returned at no extra charge and the 1 year warranty rest to the day I got it back. It has been perfect ever since. I think his prices are a bit higher than Audio Classics though. Al K/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted May 21, 2001 Author Share Posted May 21, 2001 Just saw a C-40 on eBay for $885 so far (drool, drool). He's even giving a money back guarantee! Keepin' an eye out for it but I dought if the price will hold. Would be nice though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacKlipsch Posted May 25, 2001 Share Posted May 25, 2001 Tom, That C-40 went for $1225. Was that you that got it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.