2. amps-preamps
  3. 1167054304

"Budget" preamp choices.

All right, so here it is: I need a new preamp, preferably $750 or under. The rest of my system is as follows: Rega Saturn - Pass Aleph 3 - AKG K1000. Soundstage, beautiful mids, and detail are my biggest things. I've been considering getting the Rega Cursa, either 2000 or the recent '3' edition, to match my new CD player, but I'm open to all kinds of suggestions. The only restriction other than price are it can't be too tall, as my top-loading CD player already has the top space in my rig. I generally prefer solid state, but if you guys think tubes will add just the right ingredient to complete my rig, recommend away!
meyvn

Showing 2 responses by jax2

jax2
3,031 posts
 
I cannot reccommend anything more highly than a Placette RVC linestage if you only have the single input device. It's right in your pricerange on the used market, and performance is superb! I can't say I know how well the two synergize, but based on the 23K input inpedence of the Pass you should be fine. I would do some research to check compatibillity to make sure before making a decision. I use a Placette with my Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono and the results are stellar. It does everything right and nothing to really fault at all. Soundstaging and mids are astoundingly good (I only mention those qualities since they are important to you, but it also does many other things right...I'll spare you the verbosity). It is definitely a very system-sensitive component. It does not work anywhere near as well in my SET system which has a 300K input inpedence. Your Pass system is much more similar to my SS system which is why I think it would work there. If you bought a turntable you would need a phono preamp as the RVC is only a linestage. The 3-input version is identical in performance, but has 3 input jacks and goes for around $900-1000 on the used market. Do more research - if it can work in your system I don't believe you will find anything better anywhere near the price, or for many times more for that matter.

Marco
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Chazzbo, which passive have you heard that lack in dynamics? That information would probably be a useful qualifier to your statement. As pointed out - The Placette absolutely positively does not lack in dynamics, nor does the Placette fall short in any other way in my experience. I've also heard the Sonic Euphoria and the Bent and neither of those choices in passives lack in dynamics either. I prefer the Placette in my system, regardless of price (have not tried the Bent there though - heard it in someone else's rig). Good suggestion to give Guy a call if you want further information and to check on synergy. He has no interest in selling you a product that won't work with your system. If it does work, and I do think it will, you will be in for a big treat for some small change.

Marco
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