Lobby > Head Amps, DACs, Sources, Portable Equipment Discussion
Suggestions for budget Preamp? vintage or new
rhythmdevils:
I pulled my super old NAD 1020 out of storage and it's got some issues, buzzing, bad connections, knobs that don't work, etc. So I'm thinking I might need to get a new one. It will be used to power Mackie HR624 Monitors, so really I just need a volume knob. Gamma2 - preamp - Mackies
Something warm to neutral- no etch, brightness, coldness, as these are already monitors.
A remote would be really awesome if possible
I'm down with a vintage model, though that probably means no remote.
RexAeterna:
i would of answered this earlier but i had to head out real quick. by bad connections like the rca jacks in the back? also by not working do you mean not at all or just static/crackling? if it's scratchy simple burst of deoxit will fix up right away or just some electronic cleaners at local radioshack( 2 different kinds. one for contacts and is also a lubricate and other is a de-oxidizer. the de-oxidizer is the one to get). could try that first. have you also tried headphone directly to test?
for replacements you can get the nad fixed or just buy another one. if not. sansui CA preamps, kenwood C-X, and B&K are some to look at. yamaha preamps are great as well and are very quiet and do offer some nice features in the C-XX and CX lineup. the C-65 or C-70 be nice start if you want to try those. perreaux are nice as well and like their power amps i think their preamps use mosfets as well. mosfets are considered improved ''tubes'' due to their very low distortion,lower then 0 ohm output impedance and ability to soft-clip like tubes. B&K and Adcom are known to use mosfets as well. yamaha only used mosfets in their bigger power amps. sansui and kenwood don't. that reminds me too... sony and hitachi use mosfets in lot of their gear so can check their preamp line-up from the 70's and 80's.
another thought could also always get a receiver or integrated amp to use as a preamp by removing the jumpers in the back. like the sansui 2000x can be had for very little money compared to it's big brother 5000x which can actually go for good amount depending on condition. even the 4000 can be found nice price and will give that warm clean sound but that depends cause they're pretty big so to you it might not be an option due to their size.
i would try searching locally so you can test them out personally if you can.
rhythmdevils:
It's got a few issues. Scratchy static when I turn the volume knob, but not a big deal since it then goes away. Balance knob doesn't work which could be nice as sometimes I sit right next to the right speaker when I'm working. (my printer is where the right speaker should be ideally...)
But the main thing is that there's some kind of bad connection and when I move the RCA connection that's going from the preamp to the left speaker, it's loose and if it's in the wrong spot it puts a really loud buzz into the speaker. I don't see an easy way to tighten it.
You may laugh since that's probably an easy DIY fix, but I'm not up for a new form of tinkering right now and know nothing about electronics.
Questhate:
Don't mean to be a thread jacker, but maybe someone can give me a few suggestions as well.
I'm looking for a vintage receiver with a phono input and a good headphone out. I have a couple of Technics 1200s collecting dust, so I figured I'd use them for a little vinyl rig. Will use them with HD800 and LCD-2, so preferably something warm-ish as to not upset the Senns. The main recommendations that I get are Sansui 7070/8080/9090, Marantz 22xx, Pioneer SX-xxxx, but they normally go for like $400 in my area. If they're worth it, so be it. But if there are comparable receivers for cheaper, well then that means more money for vinyl.
Bonus if it can run a pair of Maggies since I'll eventually get a pair whenever I move out of this tiny apartment.
Questhate:
RD, if you just need a volume knob, why not just a passive RCA volume controller? It's just RCA in --> Volume Knob --> RCA out. I don't have any experience with it myself, but I've seen them for less than $50.
EDIT: something like this? http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RLC-Remote-Level-Control/dp/B002EEP3WA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8
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