keithstcs Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 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]? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoggieHowser Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 A new Audiolab 8200CDQ? Even has a built in DAC and CDP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PorkBun69s Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Audio GD C39mk3 or the new Reference 10 Pre/Headphone Amp/Dac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankn Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronal Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithstcs Posted April 3, 2012 Author Share Posted April 3, 2012 has anyone any experience of the YS- audio gear or the Shengya gear? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proftournesol Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 active or passive? Active will give you better dynamics, passive can give you better transparency. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithstcs Posted April 3, 2012 Author Share Posted April 3, 2012 I did not know they did passive gear...... sorry for the ignorance. Recommendations for an RB 991? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alittlewino Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makka Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 I have a Cyrus Pre VS2 in Quartz Silver for sale after an upgrade http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product-archive/pre-amplifiers/pre-vs2-pre-amplifier http://alatest.com.au/topbar/9579569/-1/?ref=http%3A%2F%2Falatest.com.au%2Freviews%2Freceivers-amplifiers%2Fcyrus-pre-vs2%2Fpo3-56590208%2C86%2F not sure how much to ask for; perhaps $650 + postage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Triode Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 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.au/itm/MFA-Magus-Preamplifier-Tube-Valve-Bruce-Moore-designed-Rare-240-Volt-800-/150768975215?pt=AU_Electronics_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item231a87fd6f Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Triode Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 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.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/40242-krell-ksp-7b-full-function-balanced-preamp-ie-with-phono-stage/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRogers Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithstcs Posted April 5, 2012 Author Share Posted April 5, 2012 Thanks to everyone for comments and offers. Much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Flies Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 McIntosh c28 4 sale was serviced by ZP about 18 mths ago Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pulinap Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 I think there is a S/H Musical Fidelity Nu Vista preamp for sale in Classified Section? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgehifi Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 (edited) 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 April 5, 2012 by georgehifi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh0571 Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 +1 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waricle Posted April 5, 2012 Share Posted April 5, 2012 How about a Rotel RC995? Full remote MM&MC and balanced to boot. I wouldn't sell mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCOWandre Posted April 6, 2012 Share Posted April 6, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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