doctorcilantro Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Hi all, I'm looking for a preamp that has about 3-4 inputs, decent gain (15-20db), at least one set of balanced inputs, solid state. Under 2K. Will mate with Quicksilver Horn Monos and RF-7s (possible LaScala II in the future). I have been eyeing the Juicy Music offerings but I'm sort of hooked on balanced into the pre for my DAC. I know I'm leaving stuff out, but it's been a long day. best DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Here's a balanced item: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1226786774&/Bat-VK3i-Tube-Preamp-includes- I'm not a BAT expert and don't know how it stacks up against the competition, but Boomac can speak to this model. Also, BAT offers the SS VK-P3 internal phonostage for ~$500 if you want to add one, and it's switchable between MM and MC gain. The BAT website is http://www.balanced.com/. There are no separate URLs within the site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctorcilantro Posted September 22, 2008 Author Share Posted September 22, 2008 Kind of set on SS for the pre, and I don't need phono, but I have heard those units are supposed to be rather good. Leaning towards a Rowland Capri at this point. DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ69 Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 I have a pair of Mini-monos and RF-25's. The amps are very sweet, with great mid range sound (with EL-34 Tesla-recommended by the mfg). They are a good match for a SS pre-amp (that's what I'm running now in my second system) but are even sweeter with a tube pre. I think you have a good match with RF-7's and horn monos, I'm sure any good pre-amp will work. I've used the minis with a Cary SLP and some might say it's too much but I thought it just right for pure tube magic. It loves female vocals, rock and big bands. Thanx, Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctorcilantro Posted September 22, 2008 Author Share Posted September 22, 2008 The Rowland Capri is getting some rave reviews, I believe it incorporates video opamps in the circuitry which is causing some "chatter" in various circles. I love my Mini mites but the Horn Monos are just too interesting to me after reading the detailed investigation of the specs in the Stereophile review. I've just listed my Mites on Agon. They were my first entry into "hi-fi" after my infamous Sherwood purchase years ago (thanks again Craig!). I feel like I'm replacing them with something similar, but the Horns should prove a good match for my balanced DAC into a SS pre with a bit more gain than my Sunfire pre. DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Classe makes some really nice components. I have a pair of their monoblocks. Try one of these at three different price points: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1225773198&/Classe-CP-60-Preamplifier-/-re http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1225043894&/Classe-Audio-CP47.5-Solid-Stat http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1224772985&/Classe-CP-35-balanced-preampli Here is their newer model: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1227188622&/Classe-CP-500- I read that the older models have a nicer tone, warmer bass, etc. an dthe newer one is more clinical with less bass. The CP-60 is supposed to be really special. Classe is really popular with the B&W crowd, which are also extremely revealing speakers that can be brutally harsh with the wrong source. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctorcilantro Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 I should be studying.....how many time shave I said that in my 31 years???Thinking about the box I'm in.....and I just got outside of it for a moment.My new setup, vinyl that is, runs through the PC essentially. I have a nice DAC (and ADC - two seperate units).....Earlier today I was thinking about "seperates". I know they arebetter but then I was thinking surely some designs of integrateds musthelp to minimize the signal path......maybe, maybe not, anyway.Myother two sources, besides PC audio (digital audio files or live vinylmonitoring/recording), are Tuner and Tapedeck. I have a spare input onmy EMU1212M soundcard, and essentially a spare input on the onboardaudio (I know..YUCK, but better than it used to be).Well, what if I find a set of balanced monoblocks with low inputsensitivity (to keep gain options open), sell the Sunfire, and forgetabout a preaamp. The Lavry DA-10 DAC has balanced outputs and volumefrom 0-56 (which equals something like 5vrms w/ balanced outs).Basically, I could sell the Sunfire and Mini-Mites to fund a new set of monoblocks.......crazy....but a definite possability.....I need to study Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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