Now I have ordered my amps, I need a preamplifier

[CageyH]

And preferably one with balanced XLR outputs.
My plan is to install the amps on the base of the speaker stands, and run some balanced cables using the MC5000 to drive them. This will minimise the length of speaker cable required to about 2 x 1m runs.

So, what preamps (at the budget end of the market <£500) can people recommend?

[walpurgis]

One of these:

http://www.china-highend-hifi.com/prod0112341242262134511.htm

I use one. It's bloody marvellous. It bettered my Forte Model 2 and VTL Deluxe pre-amps.

(very cheap here: http://www.cattylink.com/page374a.html postage might be dear though)

[Stratmangler]

What length cables do you need to run from your sources to your poweramps?

[walpurgis]

What length cables do you need to run from your sources to your poweramps?

From source to pre-amp to power amp, the cables are all 0.8m or 1.0m RCA Phono. Not tried the balanced inputs on the MC-9 yet. My mate has one too and he is using the XLR inputs with no probs. He thinks it's amazing too. It's certainly the best pre-amp I've heard by far and I've had a good many.

[CageyH]

I'm looking at 5m runs.

[Stratmangler]

I'm looking at 5m runs.

Which is why I think passive is the wrong way to go!
You could do a lot worse than consulting Graham Slee, although you might have to wait for a short while.

[CageyH]

Me too.
XLR outputs will help as well.

[Stratmangler]

From source to pre-amp to power amp, the cables are all 0.8m or 1.0m RCA Phono. Not tried the balanced inputs on the MC-9 yet. My mate has one too and he is using the XLR inputs with no probs. He thinks it's amazing too. It's certainly the best pre-amp I've heard by far and I've had a good many.

Thanks Geoff, only I wasn't thinking about your setup :cool:

[Stratmangler]

Me too.
XLR outputs will help as well.

What are your sources - single ended or balanced?
Your Reflex M is single ended.

[CageyH]

All single ended.
I just want to make proper use of the screen in the MC5000.

[Stratmangler]

OK then.
This might be a bit left field, but it would get you going http://www.pmtonline.co.uk/yamaha-mg06-mixing-desk.html , and more importantly you'd have a properly configured balanced output stage.

[walpurgis]

That's a neat idea Chris. Who knows, it may actually sound decent. Yamaha make good products.

[Stratmangler]

Add in a few of these http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/maplin-635mm-metal-mono-plug-to-phono-socket-adapter-kw36p so that the existing interconnects can be used, and Robert is your mother's brother.