Pre amp recommendations

[Pieoftheday]

Evening, I'm asking for recommendations for a pre amp to go with my Roksan k3 power amp, I only need 2 inputs, one for my CD player and one for my server, a remote is a must for when I'm being lazy. I dont currently have the funds so its probably going to be next year. I dont really know what sort of money gets a good pre but I'd have no more than 1K, less would be preferred :) ta Jim

[CageyH]

I am currently using a Topping Pre90 that I bought 2nd hand for €400.
It does everything you need, and gets good reviews, so if you don’t mind a bit of ChiFi, why not try one.

[JohnNB]

I've been using a Roksan K2 Integrated as a power amp with a Tisbury Audio passive pre and I love it. It's tiny and only cost about £120. I wanted to try a passive pre out of interest, and didn't expect to stick with. I play turntable, cdp and dab radio, all with good sound.

[Pieoftheday]

I've been using a Roksan K2 Integrated as a power amp with a Tisbury Audio passive pre and I love it. It's tiny and only cost about £120. I wanted to try a passive pre out of interest, and didn't expect to stick with. I play turntable, cdp and dab radio, all with good sound.
Does it have remote?

[Pieoftheday]

I am currently using a Topping Pre90 that I bought 2nd hand for €400.
It does everything you need, and gets good reviews, so if you don’t mind a bit of ChiFi, why not try one.
I dont mind buying Chinese gear, thanks for reply

[CageyH]

One point I need to bring to your attention is that it has two inputs, one is single ended, and the other is balanced.
It is the same for the outputs. There is an input extender available, but I don't have one.
I use the balanced out from my DAC and single ended from my phono stage to feed it, so it may not fit your needs.

They are £600 new.

[JohnNB]

No remote I'm afraid, but the Tisbury is probably the best value-for-money upgrade I've ever had.

[Lawrence001]

+1 for tisbury (except the remote issue) my first "audiophile" upgrade was to use one with my Nad C370 and it was a good step up

[Pigmy Pony]

For a low cost but very capable option I can recommend Myryad's Z40 headphone pre. It has 3 inputs, 2 headphone sockets and a pre out. Doesn't come with remote. but will work with Marantz remotes.

A few people on here are familiar with it and also rate it highly. Not being made any more, but there might be a few used examples about. Plenty of info online.

I have had one for about 3 years now and I think it's great VFM. I'm not not using it any time soon (using an integrated) so you are welcome to borrow it and its Marantz remote long(ish) term till you get sorted.

Edit: this is not a sales pitch, I will never sell it, oh no :)

[Pieoftheday]

Thanks for the replies :)

[JohnJo]

Trade the power amp in against a K3 integrated maybe?

[Pieoftheday]

Trade the power amp in against a K3 integrated maybe?
I had tried to sell it but I felt I was losing too much, so decided to keep it, I'm guessing a trade in price wouldn't be that great.

[cube-tube]

Evening, I'm asking for recommendations for a pre amp to go with my Roksan k3 power amp, I only need 2 inputs, one for my CD player and one for my server, a remote is a must for when I'm being lazy. I dont currently have the funds so its probably going to be next year. I dont really know what sort of money gets a good pre but I'd have no more than 1K, less would be preferred :) ta Jim

Here's my recommendation. Can usually be found brand new for around 450 GBP or less.

Small, clean, simple and great sounding. Punches above its price point. And of course, it comes with a remote.

https://parasound.com/product-images/zpre3_front_black.jpg

https://parasound.com/product-images/zpre3_rear_black.jpg

[Pieoftheday]

Here's my recommendation. Can usually be found brand new for around 450 GBP or less.

Small, clean, simple and great sounding. Punches above its price point. And of course, it comes with a remote.

https://parasound.com/product-images/zpre3_front_black.jpg

https://parasound.com/product-images/zpre3_rear_black.jpg
Thanks Charles, that looks a nice bit of kit, I'll have a look, thanks

[hifinutt]

great suggestion . there are quite a few good pre amps at the moment under 1k . puresound L10 valve on pfm at 850 a cambridge audio azur on pfm too

[Floyddroid]

I am using a Schiit Freya with a K3 power amp and its pretty good. I am using it in balanced mode.

[walpurgis]

All this talk of pre-amps reminds me that I have a VTL Deluxe that's been in storage for about twenty years and I might consider parting with it. It's a great sounding bit of kit, with a lovely MM phono stage.

[RockAddict]

If an analogue pre is an option (i.e. no digital inputs), there is the Quad Artera Pre:
https://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/artera-pre/

I have one and it's the right fit for my setup.

Budget = £1,100ish (less with trade-in)
Remote = Y
EQ controls = Y (by way of "tilt" rather than conventional treb/bass options)
Headphone out = Y (6.35mm jack; will drive 300/600ohm sets - Fanthorpes checked with Quad before I purchased)
XLR options (in & out) = Y
Phono stage = Y

Audio character: To me, the right balance between clarity and depth. Detailed but not brittle / overly bright; well reproduced bottom end but not muddy; mids neither too recessed or too forward - much will depend on the recording itself and other components in the chain &, I hesitate to say, cable choices.

Of course, YMMV.

Hope you find something that works for you.

[cube-tube]

If an analogue pre is an option (i.e. no digital inputs), there is the Quad Artera Pre:
https://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/artera-pre/

I have one and it's the right fit for my setup.

Budget = £1,100ish (less with trade-in)
Remote = Y
EQ controls = Y (by way of "tilt" rather than conventional treb/bass options)
Headphone out = Y (6.35mm jack; will drive 300/600ohm sets - Fanthorpes checked with Quad before I purchased)
XLR options (in & out) = Y
Phono stage = Y

Audio character: To me, the right balance between clarity and depth. Detailed but not brittle / overly bright; well reproduced bottom end but not muddy; mids neither too recessed or too forward - much will depend on the recording itself and other components in the chain &, I hesitate to say, cable choices.

Of course, YMMV.

Hope you find something that works for you.

I'm on the other side of the pond and have the same Quad Artera Pre. Love this thing! I agree 100% with what you said about the sound. However, I didn't recommend it because the OP wants to stay around £1000, preferably less if possible.

Just a side question, would you happen to have a thread about your system? I'd like to see another system out there with the Artera Pre. I haven't found a single one yet other than you.

[ReggieB]

The Schiit Saga (https://www.schiit.com/products/saga-s) is another option. I use the original tube version in my second system. If I was buying one new, I'd probably get the cheaper "solid state" version. It's better than using an integrated as a pre-amp (I was using an AudioLab 8000S in this role before hand for example). It did everything I wanted it to do, and was as good sounding as the PS Audio Gain Cell that replaced it in my main system for a year or two. Saying that, the Townsend Allegri+ (http://www.townshendaudio.com/allegri/) that now has pride of place is better again, but a lot more expensive and no remote (I'm surprised how little I miss it).

https://www.schiit.co.uk/image/cache/catalog/Saga/saga%20s%20front%201920-702x702.o.jpg

[Pieoftheday]

Many thanks for all the suggestions, I better get saving up:)

[RockAddict]

I'm on the other side of the pond and have the same Quad Artera Pre. Love this thing! I agree 100% with what you said about the sound. However, I didn't recommend it because the OP wants to stay around £1000, preferably less if possible.

Just a side question, would you happen to have a thread about your system? I'd like to see another system out there with the Artera Pre. I haven't found a single one yet other than you.

No dedicated thread; just a couple of contributions in other contexts - my signature shows the system as it currently is (Aug 2022 & no plans for major changes any time soon). Having got the Artera Pre, I too am surprised it hasn't gained more interest but, sometimes, that's the way it is. Perhaps Quad's marketing isn't as strong (or effective) as other brands.

[hifinutt]

800 for this puresound L10 is a steal . they are very musical and enjoyable

https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/puresound-l10-pre-amp.267724/

[Floyddroid]

Evening, I'm asking for recommendations for a pre amp to go with my Roksan k3 power amp, I only need 2 inputs, one for my CD player and one for my server, a remote is a must for when I'm being lazy. I dont currently have the funds so its probably going to be next year. I dont really know what sort of money gets a good pre but I'd have no more than 1K, less would be preferred :) ta Jim

Despite some minor irritations i have with this pre amp i would put it on your list..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPC9ofYtq2I