2. amps-preamps
  3. 1364620573

So what's a good preamp?

I know that's a broad question but I've been using a series of passive preamps for the past 12 years and now I have an amp (Joule Stargate SET) that really like to have an active preamp ahead of it. I'm really not sure where to start. Budget is $1500 or less probably used and I only listen to vinyl so bells and whistles are not an issue-- if there was such thing as an active single input preamp, that could be great. I'm just not sure where to start looking, although I'm sort of interested in the ARC SP16 because I've been told that it has a nice neutral sound by some friends. My priorities are versatility because I listen to lots of different music from jazz to folk to electronic/dance to soundtracks.
dhcod
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Well, I sort of agree with Zd542. It would be tough to find a preamp worthy of your amps for under $1500.

That being said, I have two suggestions. I do see a Joule Electra LA-100 that is currently for sale on Audiogon for under $1200. There might be some good synergy with your Joule Electra amps. The other option would be to look for a used Audible Illusions L1 or L2. That's probably your best bang for the buck at that price range.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,470 posts
 
Check out the E.A.R. 834P. A few are listed here.
grimace
624 posts
 
See if you can find a used Emotive Audio (*NOT* Emotiva) Poeta, or it's predecessor the Erato. Very simple - a selector and volume knob - and really terrific sounding.
dhcod OP
706 posts
 
Thanks for the advice. I've seen the Emotive Audio before, just beautiful. I'll grab one if it pops up. I'm thinking about the LA100 but it's a MK1 so I'm it seems overpriced a bit. I just plugged in a Hagerman Clarinet and that wasn't very good. It's a shame I can't just stick with the LDR volume control I'm using now which sounds incredible but hums. Really isn't a solution for that out there that I've been able to find unfortunately. LDRs are really lovely transparent things... they just don't play well with the Joule (because of grounding issues) which I'm NEVER parting with until I win the lottery.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
I'd look at the Modwright 9.0 at that price point. They don't come up very often and might be more than $1500, but I also love my Musical Fidelity kW preamp. A beast. Huge power supply. Will drive anything. A hybrid design. An older Pass preamp may also do the trick.
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