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

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.

Thank you for the comments.  The tuner was a wild want and really didn't expect to find one configured this way.

I'll spend plenty of time searching other posts for valuable information.

I will probably get lambasted for this but, I really don't understand any unit without tone controls.  There is no way all material will sound the way a listener wants strictly based on how the engineer decided the recording should should.

Please continue to offer preamp suggestions!

Thanks again.

Op  because effective analog tone controls are expensive and eq is much better done digitally most manufacturers dont employ them

 

Also proper eq that doesn’t srew up the musics balance is mpossible with just two tone  controls,  a recording  studio had many  bands of Eq so you can make a judicious correction. Without screwing it up

 

If you dont have e nnough bass  add a subwoofer 

If you don't have enough clarity, change the loudspeakers, or evaluate your entire chain are you using good cables, power conditioning, a good source, older vintage components?

If you are using digital adxd Roon to a computer and Roon comeswith a built in EQ and digital upsampling and dsd so you can add eq in a transparent manner 

 

Dave and Troy

AUDIO INTELLECT NJ

ROON SPECIALISTS, AND 40 YEAR HIGH End Audio VETERANS.

For the kind of money you’re willing to spend you can get a great preamp but if analogue is your love, you’re much better served getting a great dedicated phono preamp to go along with the main preamp.  They can make a huge difference compared to anything “built in” to a preamp. 
adding tuner capabilities makes you looking for something you’re far better off getting in a streamer which you can always add later. 
my all tube preamp has neither tone nor balance controls and I’ve never missed them. (Primaluna evo 400).