Looking for a new preamp Max $5k


Hi All!

I'm new here and this is my 1st post.

As the title says, I'm looking for a new preamp as part of a new system I'm putting together.

So, decided on Klipsch Cornwall IV, Parasound Halo 21a+

What I want in the preamp:

SS or Tube is an option, that decision will be finalized by listening to the combo if possible

All analog...No DAC

Tape Loop

At least 4 inputs Plus

MM & MC phono input

XLR in and out are fine but not required

Remote that controls Volume, Bass and Treble, Mute

A tuner would be fantastic!!!  

I'm sure I'm forgetting something and I'm sure all here will point me to some other options I'd want.

Thanks!!!

normanb58

Hello OP!  That is a long wish list of features.  You likely have looked at the P6 as it is a match for your A21+.  It does not have remote balance, and you can defeat tone controls but not adjust them remotely.  And it has a DAC.  I doubt you will find all the features you list, at least not in a decent sounding unit.

I would advise that you consider sound over features.  There are many great preamps under 5k (maybe used) that will (to me) sound way better than the Parasound.  I have owned the A21, the A51, the A21+ and the Halo JC1+ monoblocks.  They were all easily bested by comparable Audionet amplifiers, first the Amps and then the Max's.   As for the preamp, the Audionet Pre1G3 sounds way better than Parasound (to me).  It opened my eyes to a whole world of better sounding stuff.  The Parasound equipment is solid no doubt, but the Audionet gear is on another level.  

Audionet is for me, but I am sure you will hear many other suggestions here soon that sound great, but lack those features.

 Search the forums. Seems like there are 2-3 of these threads every few days ....

Feature-packed preamp like you have described including built-in tuner is rare but it exists, i.e, Emotiva BasX PT2. But it has DAC (sigh),  The built-in tuner is more likely to be found in consumer-grade ’Receiver’ that has also an amplification section.

I suggest that you prioritize sound quality over features and focus on the audiophile grade gears.

Good luck, I want tubes, I wanted full featured also, and also want a MODE control, I like McIntosh’s version. It’s a big help when I balance my Speaker’s L-Pads

I have ALL that, but it takes 3 items to do it. I would not change anything, if one piece dies, I get another without any alternate consideration.

This is the heart of the system, no remote anything

McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp mx110z

Why I tried one, love it.

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm

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Remote Control

On top of this stack for my Garage/Shop system is the Remote Solution I use for each of my 3 systems (main, office, garage/shop):

Chase RLC-1 Remote Line Controller. Remote Power; Volume; Balance; Treble; Bass; 4 line in.

 

totally silent, does everything via one Philips chip

 

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SUT for MC to Preamp’s MM Phono 1 or Phono 2

Certainly not compact, I’ve never been happier with my system.

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Hear it? My speakers sound a lot like your's will, drop by, bring your amp!

 

New, or is Used an Option?

I started this here for a friend: Tube Preamp with MM and MC. Perhaps something mentioned, or will help you find something, or clarify your thinking.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tube-preamp-with-full-featured-phono-both-mm-and-lomc-with-loading-opt

Many Preamps that have MC, like my Luxman SQ-N150, have a single fixed impedance and gain, most often I see 100 ohm. That's limiting, but ok for my office. Main system: that's not enough. Most will advise a separate Phono Stage, my friend's quest is for a Preamp with MC options built-in.