Are there used/mint balanced pre-amp with a few unblanced inputs under $2000??


Need recommendations for a used balanced pre-amp with approximately 3 balanced input  One for a CD player and another  for hooking up a fully balanced amp.  And, possibly, one additional balanced input  I don't need a processor HT loop, nor DAC input and output. I do need a remote, and a very good headphone feature would be great  Phone box or stage could be added. 

Unfortunately, many balanced or mixed balanced and unbalanced pre-amps or line stages offer multiple balanced inputs, and also  several RCA inputs and outputs

They usually lack remote, phone stage and headphone features.  The back of some look like a recording console and the front, a cuckoo clock.    Not for me!!.

I prefer simple and usable  features,  but outstanding sound quality. I have a BAT VK200 amp

I am NOT hopeful such a component is available. However, I have looked at the Copland CT305, Cary SLP202, and a few of the BAT pre-amps in a cursory search     Thank you  

   

sunnyjim

Showing 7 responses by sunnyjim

To djohnson: The BAT VK-31 you indicated with remote and phono stage is gone.  Strange because I was on AG yesterday, I did not see a listing for an BAT VK-31. This must have been the quickest sale in the history of AG.  Thanks anyway for the heads-up

Thanks to those who responded so far.

To timlub.,  Thanks for the recommendations. I actually owned a Bel Canto Pre 3 about 4 years ago, and loved it, especially its finely calibrated remote control. It did not have a phono stage, or ( I think) head jack or amp.  Its only drawbac is:: when using a fire hose girth speaker cables, they torqued up the pre-amp. off the shelf  rack by an inch or so.  I had it hooked up to a pair of Red Dragon mono blocks class D amps which overtime sounded bright and edgy. I often wondered if "some" of the glare and edge were produced by the Pre 3.  Nevertheless, I decided to downsize to a integrated amp after selling the pre-amp and amps. I will check out the ARC LS-9.   BTW, BAT VK-200 is SS all the way

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To djohnson54. I  checked a few BAT pre-amps on e-bay l, including the VK-31. Supposedly VK-31SE sounds better. However, i will definitely check out the ad on AG .  

 To herndonb. 

Thanks for the heads up about the Krell 280P pre-amp.   Did you own one??    If so what did you like about its  features, and more importantly its sounds quality??. 

 I prefer pre-amp that has no HT or processor features or a build in DAC.  However, I will check it out.

dpjohnson54,  Thanks,  Yes I saw the ad.  Take a look at the photo of the inside??  I think the insides look somewhat yellowish and aging. However,  It does have a remote, but no phono.  .

Nevertheless, I am also considering CJ  ET3 that was  recently listed on AG,  and includes an extra set of tubes, but only a remote. However,  it  has all RCA connections. A few reviews claim the SE version sounds better. I waiting to here from CJ what those upgrades cost. Knowing CJ's tendency to inflate pricing, I am sure the upgrades will be out of my financial reach. It also has no phono. 

*****BTW, the ET3 spec sheet claims a 25 db gain. Does that mean it will be loud even at the lowest volume setting, possibly the consequence of  connecting it up to the BAT VK-200 amp, and also result in wide swings in volume using the remote control??   Thanks to all. .  

To djohnson54. Thank you for the reply and info.  A new BAT candidate is in the race, the VK-20r pre-amp listed on AG.  I have found only one review on it.

Therefore, do you ( or anyone) know where it might stand in the BAT pecking order of pre-amps??  It has both a remote and phono stage, but the seller does not know if it is MM or MC, though the former owner used a Transcendence Axiss low output moving coil.  

So if anyone has personal knowledge of the VK-20r pre-amp's performance and sound quality, please let me know.   Thank you. 

To Mr. Johnson.   Thank you for the information. Unfortunately, the dealer who had  the VK20r on consignment sold it.  His first deal fell through a few days ago.   However,  it is good to know about the BAT phono stage should I find a similar BAT pre-amp

As you know, the VK-31SE on Audiogon  sells for $2100, whereas the VK-20r was $1495.00, and had both phono and remote which added to its value.for me.

I am sure the VK-31 SE is up there with BAT's best pre-amps. I have read all the reviews on both version of the VK-31. The seller is open to a lower offer, but I am not sure of spending between $1800-$2100 for the piece.  I  would still need to buy a  outboard phono box or stage at least equal to the one in Rogue Sphinx integrated which is very good..  

BTW,  A  member also recommended the Rogue "Athena" tube  pre-amp which is fully balanced. I will check it out on their website and see what is available    I 'll keep you posted.    

    

For anyone still following this thread.  Let me humbly submit a few more candidates for pre-amp consideration 

Coda CP pre-amp with  phono stage  No remote.

Audio Research  LS-12 (remote only)..; Conrad Johnson ET2 (remote only) 

The Coda CP is a very nice looking unit, but if no remote is available as an add on,. I not interested, despite its supposedly very good MC phono stage. I could not find one review on this pre-amp which is still current Any  information on any one of the pre-amp will be much appreciated

Thanks to all. Have a good holiday; drive safely, or just stay home and watch pre-season NFL.    Jim.