Best Pre-amp under 2k-USED


I'm having a hard time deciding on a pre-amp. Being fairly new to this hobby, I'm not even sure if I want to go SS or tubes. I have been seriously considering: Krell KRC-3, Conrad Johnson PFR, Levinson 38, Adcom GFP-750, Classe 47.5 and 50 on the SS side and BAT VK-30, Rouge Audio 99 and Melos MA-333r on the tube side. Also included in my list are various models from Audio Research and Pass Labs. I definately want a full function remote and would like to have the flexability of HT pass through. I'd like to get a unit that is considered a "high-end" product which will also match well with a Citation 7.1 amp and an Arcam FMJ CD-23 cdp. Speakers will be my next purchase (right now I'm switching between an old pair of ADS L-710's and a pair of Wharfedale towers.
say811

Showing 3 responses by bwhite

If you can squeeze an extra 100 bucks out of your budget, you will do good to get yourself a Supratek Chardonnay. Quite easily one of the top preamps in the world today - at any price.

They sell new for $2100. Check out the website:

http://www.cantech.net.au/~supra/

Hope this helps.
Say811, Krell makes good products and many people enjoy them. I used to have an all Krell system - but I think my ears got better as time went on. Today, I cannot listen to and enjoy Krell as much as I could a year or two ago.

If you are looking for body in your music, IMHO Krell is not the product for you.

If you take my earlier recommendation and try a Triode preamp from Supratek, you will see an enormous gain in musicality of your system - you WILL hear a difference. Regardless of your other components, the Supratek will transform your system.
Say 811. visit the Supratek website. I think Mick will make his tube pre with cinema by-pass. Other than that the only options I know of with those features are from Kora and VAC.

http://www.cantech.net.au/~supra/>