I have a Rotel RB 991 that I am fond of, and recently serviced.
The preamp is an old Audiolab.
Any suggestions for a better preamp - within a reasonable price range [1 - 2 k]?
19 replies to this topic
#2
DoggieHowser
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Posted 21 March 2012 - 09:04 PM
A new Audiolab 8200CDQ? Even has a built in DAC and CDP.
#3
katattack74
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Posted 21 March 2012 - 09:39 PM
Audio GD C39mk3 or the new Reference 10 Pre/Headphone Amp/Dac
SimplFI System: Sony X7ESD Directly coupled to SGR CX4F's.
#4
frankn
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Posted 22 March 2012 - 04:42 AM
2nd hand? ME25 - can occasionally be found on SNA and ebay. Purchase and a complete rebuild (ZB) to current specs would be within your price. 2ohm O/P can drive anything.
A=Clearaudio AvantGarde Magnum (CMB)-SME-V+Lyra Helikon SL, D=Meridian 506/20bit, Power=ME1400/850/ME25, Cables= Anti Cables / speaker and IC + Klotz microphone cable pre-to-power, Speakers=QUAD 2905
For Sale - nothing
For Sale - nothing
#5
bronal
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Posted 22 March 2012 - 06:30 AM
Audio GD C39mk3 or the new Reference 10 Pre/Headphone Amp/Dac
+1 for the C39. It is dynamic, neutral, has multple inputs and outputs, operates in dual mono mode and will drive anything. Best of all, it costs only about $1 000 landed! A bit of a no-brainer in this price range I would have thought.
#6
keithstcs
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Posted 03 April 2012 - 09:27 PM
has anyone any experience of the YS- audio gear or the Shengya gear?
#7
proftournesol
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Posted 03 April 2012 - 10:02 PM
active or passive? Active will give you better dynamics, passive can give you better transparency.
regards Michael
Analog: Pink Triangle (totally Funked) Kuzma Stogi Reference, Soundsmith Straingauge Digital: modified CEC TL-51X transport , MacMini, Weiss Minerva DAC Tuner: Tandberg A3011 Preamp: Octave HP500se Speakers: ADAM Tensor Deltas | Vibration management: HRS | Cables: Argento Serenity, WSS Kabel, Nordost, Transparent, Cardas |
Second System Source: Cambridge Audio DV99 | Apple TV (Gen 1)| DACMagic | Amplification: Sugden A25 Speakers: ADAM HM2
#8
keithstcs
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Posted 03 April 2012 - 11:38 PM
I did not know they did passive gear...... sorry for the ignorance.
Recommendations for an RB 991?
Recommendations for an RB 991?
#9
alittlewino
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Posted 04 April 2012 - 06:14 AM
what about a lovely Earle Weston valve jobby? IIRC the 991 is ballsey, may be nicely paired with a valve pre but not heard the combo myself
ALW
ALW
#10
Makka
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Posted 04 April 2012 - 08:00 AM
I have a Cyrus Pre VS2 in Quartz Silver for sale after an upgrade 
http://www.cyrusaudi...2-pre-amplifier
http://alatest.com.a...o3-56590208,86/
not sure how much to ask for; perhaps $650 + postage
http://www.cyrusaudi...2-pre-amplifier
http://alatest.com.a...o3-56590208,86/
not sure how much to ask for; perhaps $650 + postage
Squeezebox Touch with PSU, Apple TV2, Cyrus CD8x, Rega Planar 3 Ortofon Bronze
Gram Amp 2SE with PSU1
Cyrus Pre XPd + PSX-R
2 x Cyrus X-Power (Mono) + 2 PSX-R
Sonus Faber Toy Tower
Mark Grant cabling + Kimber 8TC
Gram Amp 2SE with PSU1
Cyrus Pre XPd + PSX-R
2 x Cyrus X-Power (Mono) + 2 PSX-R
Sonus Faber Toy Tower
Mark Grant cabling + Kimber 8TC
#11
triode12
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Posted 04 April 2012 - 08:33 AM
MFA Magus - $800 or cheaper if you make them an offer on Ebay - has a very good phono stage to boot.
http://www.ebay.com....=item231a87fd6f
http://www.ebay.com....=item231a87fd6f
Monkeyboi 2012:
"ACHTUNG!!!
Das machine is nicht fur gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und corkenpoppen mit spitzensparken. I
st nicht fur gewerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren keepen hands in das pockets. Relaxen undvatch das blinkenlights!!! "
"ACHTUNG!!!
Das machine is nicht fur gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und corkenpoppen mit spitzensparken. I
st nicht fur gewerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren keepen hands in das pockets. Relaxen undvatch das blinkenlights!!! "
#12
triode12
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Posted 04 April 2012 - 08:37 AM
I also have a Krell KSP-7B full function preamp (i.e. with built in phono stage) for sale on SNA for $1500. It has been recently fully refurbished and serviced with all new capacitors.
http://www.stereo.ne...th-phono-stage/
http://www.stereo.ne...th-phono-stage/
Monkeyboi 2012:
"ACHTUNG!!!
Das machine is nicht fur gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und corkenpoppen mit spitzensparken. I
st nicht fur gewerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren keepen hands in das pockets. Relaxen undvatch das blinkenlights!!! "
"ACHTUNG!!!
Das machine is nicht fur gefingerpoken und mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk, blowenfusen und corkenpoppen mit spitzensparken. I
st nicht fur gewerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren keepen hands in das pockets. Relaxen undvatch das blinkenlights!!! "
#13
MrRogers
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Posted 04 April 2012 - 08:46 AM
ME14, ME15, ME24 or ME25.
Very hard to beat in that price range.
Contact Zaphod and arrange for a listen or even a comparison with others on your list.
Very hard to beat in that price range.
Contact Zaphod and arrange for a listen or even a comparison with others on your list.
Audio Origami PU7 "the world's most musical pick-up arm"
Australian Distributer
Australian Distributer
#14
keithstcs
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Posted 05 April 2012 - 03:04 PM
Thanks to everyone for comments and offers.
Much appreciated.
Much appreciated.
#15
MC240
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On frequent rotation
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Posted 05 April 2012 - 03:42 PM
McIntosh c28 4 sale was serviced by ZP about 18 mths ago 
Caveat Dyslexic at work
When the going gets tough the weird turn pro HST
Current favourite track
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lFRmd79GrM
#16
pulinap
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Posted 05 April 2012 - 03:51 PM
I think there is a S/H Musical Fidelity Nu Vista preamp for sale in Classified Section?
"You gotta hear this new box I got, it creates the most offensive noise ..."......
#17
georgehifi
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Posted 05 April 2012 - 06:38 PM
active or passive? Active will give you better dynamics, passive can give you better transparency.
Passive will give you both dynamics and tranparency and no colourations if:
1: The source (cdp, dac etc) output impedance is low, 200ohms or less, (which most are)
2: The input impedance of the power amp is high, 47Kohms (the industrie standard) or higher
Cheers George
Edited by georgehifi, 05 April 2012 - 06:41 PM.
Avatar: Lightspeed Attenuator
#18
josh0571
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Posted 05 April 2012 - 09:29 PM
+1
Great preamps and Aussie made too:)
Great preamps and Aussie made too:)
ME14, ME15, ME24 or ME25.
Very hard to beat in that price range.
Contact Zaphod and arrange for a listen or even a comparison with others on your list.
#19
waricle
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Posted 05 April 2012 - 09:40 PM
How about a Rotel RC995?
Full remote MM&MC and balanced to boot.
I wouldn't sell mine.
Full remote MM&MC and balanced to boot.
I wouldn't sell mine.
Macbook Pro, SB3, Perreaux SM3 pre,Acrylic Transcriptor Skeleton/SME3009/DL103R/AU320 SUT, 6C33CB SET monos Meridian 506-20, Meridian 101/103 pre-power, Quad esl57, Rogers JR149, Marantz ST400 tuner,
#20
PCOWandre
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Posted 06 April 2012 - 02:58 PM
Cambridge 840E? Has balanced outs to suit your power amp. I know Cambridge isn't the most "sexy" brand, but I'm pretty happy with mine.
