Need an audiophile quality preamp that won't break the bank.

kevinp · Mar 16, 2024

I have a simple 2 channel setup that I'm currently running through an Onkyo TX-NR1030 AVR and would like to update to a nice preamp that I can connect a CD transport to and maybe a streamer in the future. The speakers/amp combination I'm using are incredibly reveling and really deserve a good preamp to get the most from them. I'm thinking of trying something from Schitt but any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

Tim Hector · Mar 16, 2024

Nothing wrong with Schiit. If the Kara is affordable, I'd head that way, hard to beat for $699. If you need a bit less expensive, there are some decent used pre's on usaudiomart for $300 to $400 and there are some decent chinese pre's on Ali Express. If you want me to take a look, let me know.

kevinp · Mar 16, 2024

Thanks Tim. The Schiit Kara and Freya (used) seem like good possibilities but I may look for something with a sub out. Do you have any thoughts on the Parasound P5/6 or the Parasound 200 pre?

Tim Hector · Mar 16, 2024

The Kara has 2 sets of single ended outputs and 1 set of balanced. These can all run a sub. Unless maybe you also want a crossover built in the preamp. Any subwoofer with and amplifier built in today will have crossover built in. But either way. I find the P6 to be slightly better than the P5. I have not heard a New Classic 200, but I have been told by 1 person that it reminded them of the P5, but they still liked it better than the P5. He thought the P5 was a bit lackluster. Take that with a grain of salt.
But you do get a decent dac and a relatively neutral pre with a Dac in both of those.
I did see a Freya S out there for $375.
I like what Schiit has done with the Kara. Runs high rail voltage, good parts and good layout. I suspect that it will be quite good. There is always Vintage.... What bothers me with vintage... I just went looking around and the proven pre's are getting stupid money. I'll keep my eye out and reply if I see anything. I had a chinese knockoff of an accuphase and it was really pretty good. That is why I mentioned the chinese stuff.There is a Kara on usaudiomart.They are asking $600, but you can always make an offer And I hear that the Topping Pre90 pre is actually pretty good also.

kevinp · Mar 16, 2024

Your input is appreciated!

JStewart · Mar 16, 2024

MiniDSP SHD seems to check all the boxes mentioned thus far.

Here’s a review:

Minidsp SHD Review Updated (DSP, DAC & Streamer)

This is an update to the review of minidsp SHD that I did a couple of years ago. My tests have evolved since then and company has stated that they fixed a few issues I found in that test. The SHD costs US $1,195 and includes a USB DAC, streaming engine (based on Volumio) and of course, DSP...

www.audiosciencereview.com

That review sample belongs to @Sonnie, iirc, and he mentioned in another thread he may be selling it soon.

ddude003 · Mar 16, 2024

I would say that a good line stage preamp is the heart of a separates stereo system... You don't qualify what "won't break the bank" ballpark is... And your requirements seem pretty vague to me... Solid state, tube or hybrid?

You might look on https://www.audiogon.com/listings?category=preamplifiers to see if anything strikes your fancy...

Kal Rubinson · Mar 16, 2024

Aside from the RC, it is hard to fault the Topping Pre90. https://www.stereophile.com/content/topping-pre90-line-preamplifier

kevinp · Mar 17, 2024

ddude003 said:
I would say that a good line stage preamp is the heart of a separates stereo system... You don't qualify what "won't break the bank" ballpark is... And your requirements seem pretty vague to me... Solid state, tube or hybrid?

You might look on https://www.audiogon.com/listings?category=preamplifiers to see if anything strikes your fancy...

I just pulled my old 2 channel system out of storage and am starting to put together a more modern system. The old system consisted of a Levinson ML-7 preamp (no longer have this), a Levinson ML-3 amplifier and Apogee Duetta 2 ribbon speakers. I'm looking for something under $2k to replace the ML-7. The amp and speakers have always worked well with solid state equipment so that's what I'm thinking. The speakers are very reveling so I need something quiet with a good SNR. I may replace the amp and speakers in the future so I'm looking for something flexible. I've used passive subs in the past so I'd like a unit with a sub-out and crossover if possible.

JStewart · Mar 17, 2024

kevinp said:
The speakers are very reveling so I need something quiet with a good SNR

MiniDSP SHD .00025%.

kevinp said:
I've used passive subs in the past so I'd like a unit with a sub-out and crossover if possible.

Easily covered along with PEQs for EQ or Dirac Room Correction.

Grayson Dere · Mar 23, 2024

Kal Rubinson said:
Aside from the RC, it is hard to fault the Topping Pre90. https://www.stereophile.com/content/topping-pre90-line-preamplifier

I'm a huge fan of Topping products. I'm using their E30II DAC and it's very good!

Markone · Mar 23, 2024

I can't think of any two channel pre amps with a sub out, on AV amps, yes. However many sub woofers have the ability to connect to take an 'high level' input from your speakers so its not such a problem if you have an amp with only one set of out puts. Re the Topping pre 90, its ridiculously good for the money. I found it hard to take seriously, before I listed to it! If you can put aside any pre conceptions about what a bit of good hi fi gear should look like (I found it hard at first) then there's some cracking kit out there that's embarising many of the established manufacuters.

Kal Rubinson · Mar 23, 2024

Markone said:
I can't think of any two channel pre amps with a sub out, on AV amps, yes.

With the Pre90, you can use all the outputs simultaneously. So, you can use it if you have reasonable level/etc. controls on the sub(s).

kevinp · May 27, 2024

Finally decided on a unit that met my needs. The Eversolo DMP-A6 combines a user-friendly streamer that supports my main music library (Apple Music), a very nice DAC and enough pre-amp connections to connect a CD/DVD transport. I've been listening to it using a Mark Levinson 200 watt/channel amplified for the last week or so and I'm really pleased with the performance so far. Thank you all for your advice and guidance in my search.

Tim Hector · May 27, 2024

Congrats. A buddy uses this as a streamer and said it does a very good job.

NBPK402 · May 27, 2024

I have a Denafrips Athena preamp...excellent sounding for a very reasonable price, and the build quality is superb! It is a active no gain preamp and fully balanced. The only thing I can is you MUST have efficient speakers or high gain amps...otherwise you might not be happy if you like to listen loud.

kevinp · May 28, 2024

I’ve read good things about Denafrips products. I’m a value buyer these days so I appreciate good value for the money spent.

Tim Hector · May 28, 2024

I have Denafrips little Enyo DAC. Great value

NBPK402 · May 28, 2024

kevinp said:
I’ve read good things about Denafrips products. I’m a value buyer these days so I appreciate good value for the money spent.

Same here.

Sonnie Parker · Oct 4, 2024

How are you liking the DMP-A6 these days?

I got one a few weeks ago and really like it. I've used it strictly with my headphone amp and Roon thus far. I may end up placing it in our vinyl room for when we feel like searching for certain music and don't want to listen to vinyl.

kevinp · Oct 8, 2024

Sonnie Parker said:
How are you liking the DMP-A6 these days?

I got one a few weeks ago and really like it. I've used it strictly with my headphone amp and Roon thus far. I may end up placing it in our vinyl room for when we feel like searching for certain music and don't want to listen to vinyl.

Hey Sonnie. I like it. My main online music is Apple Music. It has a built-in app for that so it works great. I can cast to my iPhone so I get the same interface on my phone as the A6. Sound quality seems good.

Need an audiophile quality preamp that won't break the bank.

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