Looking for an used, inexpensive pre amp


Currently using a cheap but fairly nice sounding Dayton T120 D class amp.  Not enough inputs.  I would like to find a pre amp to use with this amp and perhaps at some point, if I can find the money, I can buy a power amplifier to replace the Dayton.

Figure my budget to be under $200 right now.  Looks like plenty of older inexpensive Solid State pre amps are available on Ebay.  

Any ideas what I should look for when buying a preamp?  I've only used Integrated amplifiers up to this point.  
will62

Showing 2 responses by reubent

How many inputs do you need? What sources will you be using?

Schiit Audio makes the SYS 2-input passive and it's $49. However, if all of your sources are digital, you could also possibly use the Schitt MODI 2 DAC that has USB, Optical and coax inputs. The MODI 2 is $99.

I've never hear or used either, but they get good reviews.
@will62 - Are you looking for a match to your Dayton T-class amp, or something that you can keep and use with a future power amp upgrade? I've heard the Dayton DTA-120 is a good sounding amp, for the price. But in the end, it is a $78 amplifier and it already has a volume control, 2 inputs and a headphone amp output. Are you really just looking for additional inputs, or do you want a pre-amp you can build on down the road? If you just need inputs, a simple switcher would get you by until you are ready to upgrade.

Your're going to need to determine what features are necessities, what are not necessities, but are desirable, and what you are willing to pay for that. Considering you've given no additional feedback to the folks who have already posted, we can only guess and speculate regarding what you need/want.

OK, all that said, here's my blind recommendation, considering your mention of buying off eBay. I saw a NAD C-160 for sale there and it currently has no bids at $150 starting price and a $200 BIN price. It has a remote, plenty of inputs and even has a built-in switchable MM/MC phono stage. It has enough features that you could probably live with it for years to come unless you plan to spend a lot more money on upgrades.

Good luck in your search. When you have a moment, provide a little feedback so we know if you're still searching or have dropped the conversation due to blissful satisfaction with your system.......