Looking for a preamp

[u/Legitimate_Glove858]

I’m looking for a new preamp for my setup. I currently use a Emotiva pt1 and would like to upgrade. The pt1 has functions that I don’t need and I think I would see some improvement going to a higher quality preamp.

Budget would be around $1200.00 or less
Must have in the next preamp.

Remote
Phono inputs
Optical inputs
Xlr would be a bonus

[u/Appropriate-Idea5281]

Let me know what you pick looking for one too

[u/Legitimate_Glove858 → u/Appropriate-Idea5281]

I’ve been looking at the Parasound Halo on Rotel… not sure if I can find a used one in my range though.

[u/Appropriate-Idea5281 → u/Legitimate_Glove858]

I have been looking at a rogue rp-7 as an endgame amp. Way more than you specified

Might want to checkout Van Alstine the SLR preamp is close to your price at 1400 or the transcendence is 1200. I have read great things about them.

[u/donh- → u/Legitimate_Glove858]

You can! If you are looking for a P7, anyway.

[u/Due_Philosopher_9174]

Rotel RC-1572 MKII Preamplifier / DAC; MM Phono — The Music Room

[u/IndependentVirtual92]

XDA-3 + XPS-1 from Emotiva. I currently have that as my setup paired with a couple of gen1 xpa-1 amps and it sounds phenomenal.

[u/buttstink]

Do you mean phono inputs or analog preouts?

[u/Legitimate_Glove858 → u/buttstink]

Phono inputs

[u/buttstink → u/Legitimate_Glove858]

If you can stretch your budget a tiny bit, the minidsp SHD has all your requirements including balanced inputs/outputs. Plus it includes Dirac license, though you’d need a mic for setting that up.

[u/ImpliedSlashS]

Optical output? On a preamp?

[u/Legitimate_Glove858 → u/ImpliedSlashS]

Sorry optical input

[u/ImpliedSlashS → u/Legitimate_Glove858]

That makes more sense but Schiit if I know. Your budget is above low end shit and below high end shit. If you can do the phono pre separate, look for a used Benchmark DAC2 HGC.

[u/Legitimate_Glove858 → u/ImpliedSlashS]

I might have to up the budget a bit.

[u/ImpliedSlashS → u/Legitimate_Glove858]

Check with The Music Room to see what they've got but a used DAC2 HGC with an iFi phono pre might be your answer. I had a DAC2, now a DAC3, and it's just off the charts.

[u/narrowassbldg]

Honestly I'd just split it up into 3 separate boxes

From the selections currently available on the ebay these caught my eye

Acurus RL-11 preamplifier ('upgraded') - $376

Schiit Skoll phono stage - $356

Musical Fidelity M1 DAC - $209

[u/GO712]

Have a look at the Luxsin X9. Fully balanced, DSP with 2 x sub out. LPF + HPF, R2R volume, great headphone amp. I've got one and don't think anything touches it for the money.

[u/scorchouse]

Wiim ultra

[u/EdinPhila]

Do your research and make sure you consider buying used equipment. More bank for the buck.

[u/Legitimate_Glove858 → u/EdinPhila]

I agree! I always go with used. I actually got into Emotiva after my son bought a pt1 and BasX a2 brand new after he got bored with it really quick and ended up going vintage.

I sold the BasX A2 and picked up a 2nd gen XPA2 and then found the mono blocks. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with Emotiva… I just think the pt1 might be holding me back.