Suggestions for stereo pre-amp $500 or less

[gcmarshall]

Accepting any and all suggestions for the best stereo pre-amp for $500 or less. This will be mated to a separate amp (obviously) and used in a dedicated 2-channel listening room.

Thanks again.

 

[gmf1]

Rotel, Linn

Watch for older linn equipment. True hi fi equipment. Great for two channel. Used rotel on Ebay. Always seems to plenty

 

[andy_c]

Accepting any and all suggestions for the best stereo pre-amp for $500 or less. This will be mated to a separate amp (obviously) and used in a dedicated 2-channel listening room.

Hi,

I have a Parasound zPre2 which I'm very happy with. It's a very small unit (half-rack width, about the same size as a Benchmark DAC1) but it is built like a tank. Has tone controls, video switching and a remote. Audio Advisor sells it for $349 USD but I got mine for a little less from a guy who posts on audio asylum.

 

[Nick250]

It's a cute little thing.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3056

Nick

 

[zumbo]

NAD C162 retails for $599.00. You shouldn't have a problem finding one within your budget.

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C162-Stereo-Preamplifier

I can't find the retail price for the Rotel RC-1070, but I doubt it will be any more than the NAD.

http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rc1070.htm

 

[mike c]

net price for the RC1070 should be around 500bucks

 

[gcmarshall]

is there any way to discern how good a preamp something is by its specs? i have a separate amp to hook it up to, as i originally posted. for example, this Yamaha stereo receiver (RX-797) appears to have preamp outputs and is under $500. i thought it would give me great flexibility.

would it serve as a good preamp?

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200028&CTID=5000600

 

[zumbo]

I was going to suggest the Yamaha, but I read the manual. I don't see RCA pre-outs. It has pre-out coupler jacks. I have no experience with that.

 

[Nomo]

I'm not familiar with the term coupler either but from the diagram in the manual they appear to be more or less a tape loop. I would think that would suffice.

 

[gcmarshall]

This is from the FAQ on Yamaha's web site. Looks like this would then serve as a preamp for an external amp? Am I interpreting that correctly? Thanks again fellow audio-addicts....
****************
What are the Pre-Out/Main-In coupler connections used for ?
On certain AV receivers, you may have the ability to connect an external component to affect the overall output. Please refer to the following connection possibilities: Equalizers, Mixers, Subwoofers and external power amplifiers - Connect the pre-out from the AV-receiver to the line-in on the external device. Then connect the line out from the external device to the main-in on the receiver. In the case of an external power amp, you would not use the receiver main in connections.

 

[zumbo]

Here is a Marantz integrated amp with pre-outs.
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=34683

 

[Nick250]

is there any way to discern how good a preamp something is by its specs? i have a separate amp to hook it up to, as i originally posted. for example, this Yamaha stereo receiver (RX-797) appears to have preamp outputs and is under $500. i thought it would give me great flexibility.

would it serve as a good preamp?

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200028&CTID=5000600

If your speakers are efficent and/or you are using a sub I wonder if the yamaha could carry the whole load by itself. Just a thought.

Nick

 

[gcmarshall]

If your speakers are efficent and/or you are using a sub I wonder if the yamaha could carry the whole load by itself. Just a thought.

Nick

yes, it could very well. however, i am in the fortunate position of having a displaced 200 watt amp and a pair of nice tower speakers needing a new place in my house. thus, i am setting up a 2-channel music setup and want to include the amp in the setup. thus, the need for preouts.

 

[Nomo]

Sure sounds like the ticket. I guess before spending the money I'd Email Yamaha specifically about that model.
From past experience, they're not the promptest of folks but you should get a response in a day or two.

 

[andy_c]

NAD C162 retails for $599.00. You shouldn't have a problem finding one within your budget.

I bought my Zpre2 to replace a broken C162. A brief summary of my experience with the C162 can be found here.