As the newest member here let me firstly say a friendly hello to everyone. I have lurked for a while and now that I am certain that this group is friendly I have gathered the courage to join - and to ask my first question. May I have your advice and thoughts about pre-amp's?
I have a Classe 4 pre-amp which is about 13 years old and I am looking to replace it. My budget is limited, but I have considered the NAD S100, ATC CA2, and Primare Pre-30, these being the options which have attracted most of my attention within my budget - absolute maximum $3500 Australian. I am not considering Musical Fidelity at this time. There is an ACT SCA-2 available for $4500.00, but I just could not justify it.
These units each have their benefits and attractions - I would prefer balanced outputs which the ATC does not have - but they all have remote control, enough inputs, and seem to be well made. I would love the Primare to be best for me - and a little cheaper, too - but...
I have read here that the ATC sounds very good, but how good is it in comparison to these, or other, preamplifiers? Where does it stand in the hierarchy of pre-amp's?
I would be most grateful if I could get your thoughts as to the relative merits and sound of each of these - or anything else I really should consider. I should mention that I am not averse to importing second-hand from the U.K., or even new if not available here in Australia (I bought my Trichord Alecto from Trichord).
In case I need to state it, my other gear is Sony 338-ESD CD player (to be replaced/upgraded sometime), Audioplan cables, and locally made powered speakers which will be replaced or supplemented by "normal" speakers. I may also use it with some valve amplifiers I have - my system in in such a state of flux!Music? Instrumental, lightish jazz, some classical - pretty limited interests, I know, but I buy what I like and enjoy listening to it.
Thanks for reading. I look forward your comments.
I have a Classe 4 pre-amp which is about 13 years old and I am looking to replace it. My budget is limited, but I have considered the NAD S100, ATC CA2, and Primare Pre-30, these being the options which have attracted most of my attention within my budget - absolute maximum $3500 Australian. I am not considering Musical Fidelity at this time. There is an ACT SCA-2 available for $4500.00, but I just could not justify it.
These units each have their benefits and attractions - I would prefer balanced outputs which the ATC does not have - but they all have remote control, enough inputs, and seem to be well made. I would love the Primare to be best for me - and a little cheaper, too - but...
I have read here that the ATC sounds very good, but how good is it in comparison to these, or other, preamplifiers? Where does it stand in the hierarchy of pre-amp's?
I would be most grateful if I could get your thoughts as to the relative merits and sound of each of these - or anything else I really should consider. I should mention that I am not averse to importing second-hand from the U.K., or even new if not available here in Australia (I bought my Trichord Alecto from Trichord).
In case I need to state it, my other gear is Sony 338-ESD CD player (to be replaced/upgraded sometime), Audioplan cables, and locally made powered speakers which will be replaced or supplemented by "normal" speakers. I may also use it with some valve amplifiers I have - my system in in such a state of flux!Music? Instrumental, lightish jazz, some classical - pretty limited interests, I know, but I buy what I like and enjoy listening to it.
Thanks for reading. I look forward your comments.
