High End Pre Amp with Tone Controls

[dogorman]

Is it possible for you to hear the SP-4 before buying? As I said, I thought Mr. Kilmer's SP-5 was awfully hissy. I suppose if you can't hear before you buy, you can always buy and then turn around and re-sell if you don't like. Obviously, ARC is a standard-bearer in preamps -- though my limited exposure to the brand would suggest they are stronger on the tube side.

[jim1961]

I called B&K. To make a long story short, they told me that they no longer have many of the parts for this unit. Additionally, the power supply is a separate unit and if goes out, they have no replacements, or ability to fix them. Basically, if something goes out, throw it in the garbage.

To say the least, this was quite discouraging. But realistically, im going to run into this with probably all these old dinosaurs.

So, im going to change my strategy. See my new thread for details.

[BRANDONH]

I have a Hafler DH-110 Pre Amp and would like to find something better. I have about $450 to spend and would be open to something used. I have a Classe CA-100 Power Amp and a Rega Apollo cd player. A line stage unit would be fine for I have no vinyl.

Recommendations?

refurbished 449.00 + shipping (will put a bit over budget)
full warranty factory authorized dealer.
tone controls can be defeated with a push of a button.
I have one of the refurbished units myself from the same dealer and just love it.
And if you ever get into vinyl it will be ready for both cartridges MM & MC
Great for bi-amping I use the adjustable bi-amp outputs for the subs.


you can read all about it here:
http://nadelectronics.com/products/h...o-Preamplifier
and get it here new or refurbished:
http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/C162.asp

[dogorman]

What's this, you say? An NAD component that ever needed to be refurbished? Gosh, I didn't think NAD equipment ever broke in the first place! Who ever heard of a broken piece of audio equipment made by NAD???

[BRANDONH]

What's this, you say? An NAD component that ever needed to be refurbished? Gosh, I didn't think NAD equipment ever broke in the first place! Who ever heard of a broken piece of audio equipment made by NAD???

Yeah I don't know
Mine looked and smelled brand new.
here is what spearit sound says about them:
http://www.spearitsound.com/refurbished.htm

[Feanor]

Yeah I don't know
Mine looked and smelled brand new.
here is what spearit sound says about them:
http://www.spearitsound.com/refurbished.htm

Thanks Brandonh, the description of "refurbished" is excellent.

And it mentions one use of refurbished that is quite key in my opinion: "Brand new overstocked items are also labeled factory refurbished." In fact, the refurbished units are not necessarily even overstocks.

Are you familiar with the concept of "market stratification"? It means finding ways to charge extra to those people who are willing to pay more while not forfeiting revenue from those who are willing to pay only a lessor amount. That is, you'd really like two prices for (more-or-less) the same product. There are many devices for doing this. E.g. Need an airline ticket at the last moment? Fine, but you have to pay a higher price.

So ... if you selling electronics maybe you sell your "new" stuff through regular brick & mortar retailers, and "refurbished" stuff, (which is exactly the same in reality), through an online retailer