I have an almost brand-new CODA solid-state 05x preamplifier that would probably work for you. It has the full five year transferable warranty available. The unit features full function remote control capability. This solid-state preamp sounds exceptionally close to tubes. The technology gap between solid-state and tubes is rapidly closing. I can work with you on price if you think it might offer an effective solution for you. I bought it for my second system - my first system uses tubes. I'm currently consolidating equipment across platforms; the CODA needs a new home. Read the review from 6 Moons for more details. Write me if you're interested.
Best preamp 2k or under, new or used
So, here's what I got...
Nht classic 4, McCormack dna1, McCormack rld1, jkdac32.
The speakers, amp, and dac, were items, that once placed in my system, I was 'done!'. I knew I found what I wanted out of each, and love all three.
Preamps, however, have been a problem. Here's what I've owned...
Parasound p3
Ps audio 7.0
Ps audio pca2
Rowland consonance
Wyred4sound stp-se
Classe cap151 (used a pre in the interim when preamps change)
McCormack rld1
The McCormack rld and classe 151 preamp sections come closest to the sound I want, which is less forceful, more effortless to my ears, fairly transparent, but both suffer from a slightly hard treble, and round under damped bass that has weight, but lacks extension. The wyred, parasound, and Pca2 sounded thin in my system. The Rowland I had high hopes for, and was probably the most disappointing, with a sound that sounded restricted on top and bottom. The ps audio 7.0, actually wasn't bad. Lacks transparency, but makes music. Problem is, with volume set to 2, it was too loud for late night listening.
So, here's the question. New or used, tube or solid state, does anyone know a good preamp in the 2k or under range that sounds open yet full, with smooth treble and good extended bass?
The only feature I want is remote control (I am not lazy, I just don't like to leave the spot I'm listening to music from).
Any suggestions supplied with some minimal input would be greatly appreciated.
Nht classic 4, McCormack dna1, McCormack rld1, jkdac32.
The speakers, amp, and dac, were items, that once placed in my system, I was 'done!'. I knew I found what I wanted out of each, and love all three.
Preamps, however, have been a problem. Here's what I've owned...
Parasound p3
Ps audio 7.0
Ps audio pca2
Rowland consonance
Wyred4sound stp-se
Classe cap151 (used a pre in the interim when preamps change)
McCormack rld1
The McCormack rld and classe 151 preamp sections come closest to the sound I want, which is less forceful, more effortless to my ears, fairly transparent, but both suffer from a slightly hard treble, and round under damped bass that has weight, but lacks extension. The wyred, parasound, and Pca2 sounded thin in my system. The Rowland I had high hopes for, and was probably the most disappointing, with a sound that sounded restricted on top and bottom. The ps audio 7.0, actually wasn't bad. Lacks transparency, but makes music. Problem is, with volume set to 2, it was too loud for late night listening.
So, here's the question. New or used, tube or solid state, does anyone know a good preamp in the 2k or under range that sounds open yet full, with smooth treble and good extended bass?
The only feature I want is remote control (I am not lazy, I just don't like to leave the spot I'm listening to music from).
Any suggestions supplied with some minimal input would be greatly appreciated.