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Preamp Options under $3500

I am looking for recommendations on a Preamp. I would like to keep it under $3500.

Remote control is a must. MC Cartridge input would also help. I don’t have the room nor budget for a MC Phono Preamp. As much as I hate to say it; I also could use tone controls. I like to boost the Treble just a bit to compensate for my 70 year old ears.

I have a 2025 Quad 33 in route but not sure how that is going to workout.

System is as follows: VPI Classic with AT OC9XSL Cart. Mac Mini running Qobuz feeding via USB a Denafrips DAC, Mark Levison No 23 Amp feeding Martin Logan Request.

chippieboy
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
6,192 posts
 

You’ll be spinnin' your wheels finding a one chassis preamp other than that QUAD with those options that you are lookin' for!

helomech
2,012 posts
 

I’ve owned quite a few preamps in this price range, and believe it or not, my favorite among them all is the Topping A70Pro. It’s actually a headphone amp but also functions as a very good preamp. It doesn’t have a phono section but its width is only half that of most preamps, so you could add a half-width phono preamp like the Parasound XRM (also a ridiculous value) and you’d have approximately the same footprint. Or you could even stack one atop the other. Both are incredibly quiet and transparent.
 
There are preamps that editorialize the music in some way that may be subjectively preferable, but none will be more transparent IME. 

 

 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,446 posts
 

@chippieboy Wrote:

Preamp Options under $3500

I also could use tone controls. I like to boost the Treble just a bit to compensate for my 70 year old ears.

I would go with a Freya+F preamp $999 Loki Max EQ $1499 and Skoll F phono preamp $399

chippieboy OP
30 posts
 

I am also entertaining the Schiit package same as ditusa listed above. A friend of mine suggested the same thing last night. Also, I found a used Mac C49 with some scuffs for just under 3K. I have not heard the Mac sound before so I'm on the fence. From what I have read in the past, you either Love or Hate the Mac Sound. I think the Peral Audio guy also likes the Topping. Not sure if it's the same model. Yogiboy is right, I'm spinning so keep the suggestions coming.

Thanks Everybody !!!!!

krkingar
9 posts
 

I am not sure this would be an option, based on your input requirements, but having been very recently amazed by the flexibility and functions of the Eversolo Streamers, I thought I would "toss the hat into your ring" - I was looking for a good Streamer and ended up with their A8, just below $2k.  The A8 and the newer A10 both provide great streaming features and will also function as a high end PreAmp.  They are looking like a player to be reconned with - superior ratings - give them a look - just might fill your bill.

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