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Cheap Old Preamps

I'm helping a friend look for a cheap (under 100$) old (tubed would be great but not necessary) preamp, and was wondering if you all had some ideas for what to look for (probably on eBay). I've been tracking some Dynacos, but the tube ones tend to exceed our budget. Are the SS daynaco preamps just sucky? His sources include an AR/XA TT and a really old Cambridge CDP. Amplification is a 40 wpc (I think) SS McIntosh amp (model unknown). Thanks.
shersta
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
You should be able to buy a Linn LK1 without remote for that amount. It's a great buy, having both a MC and MM phono stage and a boatload of inputs. It uses XLR connections for everything except the phono stage which is RCA. There is a stepping sound when adjusting the volume and balance controls which is normal.
zorpman
87 posts
 
These were great preamps in their day and have a solid phono section to this day.
rcreations
158 posts
 
ps audio IV preamp. has all the bells and whistles.
ps audio quality throughout.
It includes a separate power supply,
It also has a built in MM/MC phono stage.
You can use this preamp in active or passive mode.
You will not find a better sounding preamp with a phono section for this price.
If you enjoy vinyl you will be extremely happy with this unit.
The passive mode allows you to really get a feel for what your equipment can do.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Hafler DH-101 or DH-110 are decent old preamps that could be had for under $100. The DH-101 had some problems with the push-button function switches, so you would have to check them before buying.
pug
34 posts
 
Try looking into the older NAD preamps as well, most have pretty good phono stages with even switchable MM/MC capability, and can be bought quite reasonably used.
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