Stereo Preamp recommendations

[mjennings909]

Looking to get a stereo preamp, I have for sources a MH 7.1 turntable running through a Vincent PHO8 phono amp and then into a NAD AV 163 preamp. I also have a Oppo 105D universal player running into the NAD. The Amp I have is a Musical Fidelity A3.2cr. I want a stereo preamp to have the bypass so I can keep my NAD for surround capabilities. Anyone have suggestions, I really like the Sim audio Moon products but out of my budget. I want to stay at around $3500

[blackraven]

Here are a few used preamps on audiogon. The first one is a BAT VK-51se. I have this one and it sold for $9K new. Here is a review on it-

Balanced Audio Technology VK-51SE line preamplifier | Stereophile.com (http://www.stereophile.com/tubepreamps/1103bat/)

BAT Balanced Audio Technology VK-51 se preamp | Tube | Prescott, Arizona 86305 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-bat-balanced-audio-technology-vk-51-se-preamp-2014-09-22-preamplifiers-86305-prescott-az)

Balanced Audio Technology VK 51SE Stereophile top Recommended Pre Amp. | Tube | Portland, Oregon 97212 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-balanced-audio-technology-vk-51se-stereophile-top-recommended-pre-amp-2014-09-26-preamplifiers-97212-portland-or)



This Conrad Johnson ET-3se is another great preamp especially at this price. It was high on my list of preamps before I bought the BAT.


Conrad johnson ET-3 SE LESS THAN ONE MONTH OLD | Tube | Tucson, Arizona 85750 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community (http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-conrad-johnson-et-3-se-less-than-one-month-old-2014-09-20-preamplifiers-85750-tucson-az)


Conrad Johnson ET3SE Preamplifier – Reviews | TONEAudio MAGAZINE (http://www.tonepublications.com/review/conrad-johnsons-et3se-preamplifier/)


The BAT preamp is really something special. It is very detailed and dynamic with deep controlled bass with a 3-D holographic rich midrange and smooth highs. It is very musical and has a huge sound stage. I had a Pass X-1 preamp and the BAT sounded much better in almost every way. It still is a world class preamp. It sounded better than an Atma Sphere MP-3 (which was my second choice to buy) and a Mac 2500.

[blackraven]

I mentioned the Atma Sphere. Here is a good deal on an MP-3

Atma-Sphere MP-3 Mk II.3 with Phono & Teflon cap upgrade! - Upscale Audio (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/atma-sphere-mp-3-mk-ii-3-with-phono-teflon-cap-upgrade/)

Atma-Sphere Music Preamplifier 3 (MP-3) Review By Wayne Donnelly (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0806/atma_sphere_mp3.htm)

[Mr Peabody]

Reno Hi Fi had a Pass Labs XP10 for $2999.00 but I can't remember if it has bypass.

If you like your Vincent, they have some preamps that are a good bang for the buck.

You might look at Audio by Van Alstine, I know they can have bypass and would be a nice synergy with the MF

[Mr Peabody]

All Krell preamps have bypass and would be more neutral than anything suggested so far. I find Pass is a nice middle ground between brands like Krell or Bryston and Conrad Johnson or other warm gear. Pass is musical while providing nice control but not to the extreme as Krell. It depends on what your taste is.