Pre-amp for powered speakers?

[davidsullivan31]

After spending a few fruitless hours on the internet, I'm hoping I can ask the experts a question.

I disassembled a home recording studio and have a pair of wonderful studio monitors (Mackie HR824) that I want to use to listen to music on. They are powered speakers, so I don't need an amp. They accept 1/4 TRS and XLR inputs. Detail here: mackie.com/products/hr824/specs.html

I'd like to be able to listen to a docked iPod, play CDs and listen to the radio. I don't want to spend a fortune ($200?) and am willing to sacrifice sound quality to get all three inputs at a decent price.

Any suggestions?

Thanks much, David

 

[TLS Guy]

You will do better at your budget if you buy vintage electronics.

Something like this would be fine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hafler-PREAMPLIFIER-Pre-AMP-Model-DH-101-DAVID-HAFLER_W0QQitemZ190187771018QQihZ009QQcategoryZ12050QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Seth=L]

You will do better at your budget if you buy vintage electronics.

Something like this would be fine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hafler-PREAMPLIFIER-Pre-AMP-Model-DH-101-DAVID-HAFLER_W0QQitemZ190187771018QQihZ009QQcategoryZ12050QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I would look for something perhaps a bit more current than the old Hafler, if for nothing else but simplicity. Adcom preamps often come with remote controls and have plenty of connectivity. My dad uses one with his Sunfire/Martin Logan rig and has been doing so for 10 years, solid preamp.

 

[bandphan]

You will do better at your budget if you buy vintage electronics.

Something like this would be fine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hafler-PREAMPLIFIER-Pre-AMP-Model-DH-101-DAVID-HAFLER_W0QQitemZ190187771018QQihZ009QQcategoryZ12050QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

a man after my own heart.. love the old stuff

 

[TLS Guy]

a man after my own heart.. love the old stuff

There is a lot of vintage gear here.

http://mdcarter.smugmug.com/gallery/2424008#127077317

And here.

http://mdcarter.smugmug.com/gallery/2424105#127080824

I think if you don't want remotes and don't need digital prcessing gear you are better off with good vintage equipment.

 

[davidsullivan31]

Thanks all for the replys. I guess I'm really looking for an integrated unit.- something like a car stereo for the home that contains the tuner, CD player and iPod dock built in. Basically an integrated receiver but with line-level outputs instead of an amp.

This is as close as I've come: gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/samsung-unveils-mm+x5-ipod-dockcd-player-combo-277475.php

I'm trying to avoid buying a separate preamp, iPod dock, tuner and CD player as it's going to add up pretty quick, even if I buy low-end stuff.

David

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks all for the replys. I guess I'm really looking for an integrated unit.- something like a car stereo for the home that contains the tuner, CD player and iPod dock built in. Basically an integrated receiver but with line-level outputs instead of an amp.

This is as close as I've come: gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/samsung-unveils-mm+x5-ipod-dockcd-player-combo-277475.php

I'm trying to avoid buying a separate preamp, iPod dock, tuner and CD player as it's going to add up pretty quick, even if I buy low-end stuff.

David

Well you can use a DVD player for your CDs, and you don't need a "dock" to use your MP3 player/iPod. I would not recommend getting that Samsung thing. Half of the Adcom preamps on ebay have tuners and remotes, and often go for under $200.