For 2K you have some good options...you can definitely get a CJ Premier 17 (there is one on AGon now). I have owned CJ preamps for 12 years consecutively. I nearly went with ARC, Wavac, Shindo, Zanden, and ended up with CJ in the end each time.
Seeking PreAmp for 2-Channel Home Theater
Decided to upgrade my media system, and move my current 2-channel HT kit: Linn Wakonda/LK85 w/ Linn Kan IVs to the bedroom. HT System is intended just for 2-Channel Movies & video streaming. All sources except the tuner are plugged into the Sony XBR2 40" TV via HDMI.
Currently I'm test-driving a Classe CA-2100 into the Kan IVs (which will eventually become either a pair of B&W CM5s or 805s). Initially, the CA-2100 was paired with a Classe SSP-300 which I returned b/c I thought the SSP-300 was way too laid-back in 2-channel for movies.
I brought the Wakonda back to the HT kit and paired it with the CA-2100 with mixed results; The Wakonda is very bright in combination with the Classe. I'm now looking at swapping the Wakonda for a Linn Exotik (currently in my primary living room system and paired with an Akurate 2200 2010 w/ Harbeth Compact 7es-3s).
At this point, I'm looking for a preamp that's somewhat warmer than the Wakonda and somewhat more forward than the SSP-300. The dealer selling the CA-2100 suggested either an older Meridian (circa 56X era) or a Linn Majik. Budget for the Pre would be $2K or less, preferably much less.
Alternatively, I can bring the "bedroom system" back into the home theater and return the Classe CA-2100 (priced on clearance) to the dealer and try something else entirely. The current short list includes the Meridian G56, Arcam 360 or 400, the NAD 375BEE, and the Denon Anniversary integrated. Happy to hear about other alternatives within reason (also, No Krell, No McIntosh, No Luxman, No Plinius, and no Linn Classik Bricks).
I think the Wakonda/LK85 works nicely in the bedroom, and budget-wise I don't think that I need the HT system to be at the same level as the living room system. I like the CA-2100 and am happy to keep it if I can find a good preamp pairing at my price range. Thanks!
Currently I'm test-driving a Classe CA-2100 into the Kan IVs (which will eventually become either a pair of B&W CM5s or 805s). Initially, the CA-2100 was paired with a Classe SSP-300 which I returned b/c I thought the SSP-300 was way too laid-back in 2-channel for movies.
I brought the Wakonda back to the HT kit and paired it with the CA-2100 with mixed results; The Wakonda is very bright in combination with the Classe. I'm now looking at swapping the Wakonda for a Linn Exotik (currently in my primary living room system and paired with an Akurate 2200 2010 w/ Harbeth Compact 7es-3s).
At this point, I'm looking for a preamp that's somewhat warmer than the Wakonda and somewhat more forward than the SSP-300. The dealer selling the CA-2100 suggested either an older Meridian (circa 56X era) or a Linn Majik. Budget for the Pre would be $2K or less, preferably much less.
Alternatively, I can bring the "bedroom system" back into the home theater and return the Classe CA-2100 (priced on clearance) to the dealer and try something else entirely. The current short list includes the Meridian G56, Arcam 360 or 400, the NAD 375BEE, and the Denon Anniversary integrated. Happy to hear about other alternatives within reason (also, No Krell, No McIntosh, No Luxman, No Plinius, and no Linn Classik Bricks).
I think the Wakonda/LK85 works nicely in the bedroom, and budget-wise I don't think that I need the HT system to be at the same level as the living room system. I like the CA-2100 and am happy to keep it if I can find a good preamp pairing at my price range. Thanks!
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