Preamp recommendation

Gibsonian said:
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.
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The C-2a/C-2x is up there with the best of the best.
 
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.
 
Elite-ist said:
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.
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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.
 
Gepetto said:
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.
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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.
 
Elite-ist said:
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.
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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 said:
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
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A note on the Luxman...found a cold solder joint in the power supply...sounds good now!
 
premiumplus said:
A note on the Luxman...found a cold solder joint in the power supply...sounds good now!
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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.
 
Yeah, but IIIIII spotted the PL with the blank faceplate first and had the WTF moment.
 
Has anyone tried to collect the redemption value on Lindsay Lohan's bottles and cans?
 
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