Wanted: preamp with balanced outputs

I

ianwi

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I'm looking for a rather minimal line stage preamp with balanced XLR outputs - just volume and input selector. Budget is flexible but I don't want to spend a lot.

Currently running a modified Squeezebox through a passive attenuator into a GamuT D200 but the dynamics and bass are lost.

Ian
 
Fancy a Prometheus Reference TVC (Single volume control)?

1 x XLR in
3 x RCA in

1 x XLR out
1 x RCA out.

http://www.promitheusaudio.com/referencetvc/ref.htm

Asking 200.00 GBP

Take a look and make me an offer if you fancy it.

P.S. I notice you might want a bit more gain than the TVC offers, if you are around London you are welcome to try before you buy.
 
Thanks. Interesting product but from a quick read, I gather the Prometheus Reference TVC is completely passive. I believe I need an active component to drive the interconnects but it might not need to provide any gain at all - 0 to 10dB should be fine.
 
The Bel Canto Pre3 is ideal but there's no way the wife would let me spend more than £1000. I have to set my sights lower unfortunately.

I am thinking I should consider auditioning a TVC. My current attenuator is just simple resistor and step switch affair.
 
Bought as a fully assembled kit using Stevens&Billington TX102 copper wound transformers,all internal signal connections use 5n ultra refined pure silver hookup wire with cotton piping.
Copper RCA's,
XLR/RCA output and 1 XLR and 3 RCA inputs,original box and build instructions,build 2005.
nicked from my for sale ad :)
 
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If you like and if your budget permits .. I could sell you my Pass Labs X1 preamp .. but I ask 3000 € euro
It's balanced and unbalanced as you like

passtwjz4.jpg
 
I don't want to sell mine ianWi, but if you're looking for a good balanced pre under £1k, look out for a BAT VK3i. Would definitely do the Gamut justice and mine has been highly reliable. You should be able to get a non-remote, non-phono version for around £650.

DT
 
preamp wanted

I have a Gamut preamp which has both xlr inputs and outputs along with phonos also this unit is the matching preamp for the Gamut D200 power amp which you have, it is the silver finish front (not the black version) want £695.

Thanks
 
Thanks all. Some very nice options in the 600 to 800 range - more than I was hoping to spend. My trouble is that I expect to move to a country with 120v in a couple of years and didn't want to invest too much in something I'd have to turn around sell. Will looking into the ones suggested so far.
 
Perhaps this might fit your requirements? You could even take it with you to a country with a different mains system since it doesn't require power :)

Michael.
 
Yeah nice TVC. I really do like a minimalist approach and I'd love to try one out. But I would have to try before I buy to make sure it gets the bass back. Anyone near Maidenhead have a TVC I could A/B?

Been reading up on the BAT VK3i. Never gone with valve stuff but I like the idea of trying one out. Also looked at World Audio Design which appeals. Simple quality amp designs. (see myself talking the budget up!)

At the other extreme of amp design, I've noticed you can get older Audio Research line stages (LS3B) for around £500.
 
the bel canto pre 3 is totally superb. compact. reliable and sounds very transparent. normally cost around £1600

grab robsters while its there.
 
After a lot more reading around the 'net, I've realised that in the £600-£800 range, I could go for a DAC w/ volume control solution and skip having a "proper" preamp (is that groans I hear? :-).

Thinking of the Benchmark DAC1 given all the good reviews it gets (or something similiar like a Bel Canto DAC3).

The DAC1 is multivoltage, has balanced outputs and offers a lot more future flexibility. I really only have one digital source. Too bad the USB version is an extra £200!

My only reluctance with this approach is that I had thought I had got rid of any jitter issues using the analogue output of the Squeezebox. Using a digital connection introduces it again.
 
Hi
I have an Apogee MiniDAC which has a volume pot,I dont use it,have it bypassed.
Sounds much better through a pre,but then I would say that :D

bel canto now sold pending payment
 
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