Preamp recommendation

[Gepetto]

For line level sources, (CD, tuner) I also thought the C-2a bettered the C200. I get to hear more "stuff" with the C2a is how I would put it.

The C-2a/C-2x is up there with the best of the best.

 

[Elite-ist]

Until now, I hadn't heard of the Yamaha C-2a and C-2x preamplifiers. But I've read more about them and I see why they are so coveted.

Nando.

 

[Gepetto]

Until now, I hadn't heard of the Yamaha C-2a and C-2x preamplifiers. But I've read more about them and I see why they are so coveted.

Nando.

They are somewhat hard to find Nando, they do not come up for sale that often. I waited a long time to obtain mine, and I had to replace some parts on it when I got it (all the adjustment trim pots basically)

I got it for the phono stage which is well known as one of the best. The rest of the pre is also top notch. It is built like a tank.

 

[Elite-ist]

They are somewhat hard to find Nando, they do not come up for sale that often. I waited a long time to obtain mine, and I had to replace some parts on it when I got it (all the adjustment trim pots basically)

I got it for the phono stage which is well known as one of the best. The rest of the pre is also top notch. It is built like a tank.

Joe: It's good to hear of other members' experiences. The phono stage is very important to me as I prefer to play vinyl more than 75% of my listening time. I acquired a PS Audio IV Stereo Preamplifier for just a nickel shy of $20. I bought it thinking it might be something more than just an ordinary preamplifier. It has a separate box which is the High Current Power Supply which attaches by a cord to the back of the preamplifier with a locking keyed connector. PS Audio took this step to improve the musical accuracy of the preamp.

Cartridge loading is flexible by removing the top cover from the unit and inserting appropriate resistors in the gold sockets for left and right channels. I have a few resistors to begin experimenting with cartridge loading and I hope I will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Nando.

 

[Gepetto]

Joe: It's good to hear of other members' experiences. The phono stage is very important to me as I prefer to play vinyl more than 75% of my listening time. I acquired a PS Audio IV Stereo Preamplifier for just a nickel shy of $20. I bought it thinking it might be something more than just an ordinary preamplifier. It has a separate box which is the High Current Power Supply which attaches by a cord to the back of the preamplifier with a locking keyed connector. PS Audio took this step to improve the musical accuracy of the preamp.

Cartridge loading is flexible by removing the top cover from the unit and inserting appropriate resistors in the gold sockets for left and right channels. I have a few resistors to begin experimenting with cartridge loading and I hope I will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Nando.

Nando: Having that loading feature is a nice extra feature. The C-2a and x have a front panel selector that allows you to choose MC loading of 100 ohms or an external RCA jack where you attach a load resistor or load capacitor value of your choice. The MM loading selections are 47K, 68K or 100K by using the selector switch. This is mainly designed as a phono preamp with line inputs for a tuner and aux (CD).

 

[premiumplus]

Hey all,
I'm thinking about a new used preamp, in the $500 range.
The Kenwood L-07C seems to be well regarded, and it looks nice; pretty much dual mono block preamp construction.
Opinions or recommendations? Right now the best sound in the house is my rebuilt SX-1250 preamp section. It beats my Luxman C-350 and my Hafler DH-101 hands down. Something is wrong with the Luxman, and I can't pin it down...
Thanks!
Dave

A note on the Luxman...found a cold solder joint in the power supply...sounds good now!

 

[Gepetto]

A note on the Luxman...found a cold solder joint in the power supply...sounds good now!

It is usually in the power supply section, power dissipation in that section and repeated heat-cool cycles eventually cause solder joint fracture. Glad you found it.

 

[NavLinear]

A listing just came up on AK for a Yamaha C2-X preamp - $950.

 

[fitz43]

Spec 1
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-Spe...pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item19f2974b11

 

[orange]

You guys are DIYing too much and going blind...look closer...what is in that picture that isn't like the others?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/phase-linear-400-/111444215348

 

[fitz43]

You guys are DIYing too much and going blind...look closer...what is in that picture that isn't like the others?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/phase-linear-400-/111444215348

This led to the other......See other items

 

[orange]

Yeah, but IIIIII spotted the PL with the blank faceplate first and had the WTF moment.

 

[Northwinds]

Yeah, but IIIIII spotted the PL with the blank faceplate first and had the WTF moment.

I bet he just flipped it over to the clean side

 

[Gepetto]

A listing just came up on AK for a Yamaha C2-X preamp - $950.

Yeah they are rare...pricing at that level is insane though.

 

[frhodes]

Yeah they are rare...pricing at that level is insane though.

Crazy is right. Next thing you know some idiot will pay 3 million for a 10 cent comic book.

 

[Gepetto]

Crazy is right. Next thing you know some idiot will pay 3 million for a 10 cent comic book.

Next thing you know, someone will want 19 grand for a Luxman...

 

[Skynyrd77]

Next thing you know, someone will want 19 grand for a Luxman...

Thats my new sAying!!! My WOPL can kick your luxman's ass..

 

[orange]

Has anyone tried to collect the redemption value on Lindsay Lohan's bottles and cans?

 

[NavLinear]

Yeah they are rare...pricing at that level is insane though.

They've lowered it to $925 and wondering why no bites yet.