WTD: Budget Remote Preamp

[glenann]

As per the title, I’m looking for a reasonably priced remote preamp. I’ve just bought grog’s Sumo Polaris and need something to get me by.
I’ve always fancied trying an LDR Coffee passive. I’ve owned a couple of Audio Synthesis pre’s in years gone by and always enjoyed those, but couldn’t afford them now.
A creek OBH-22 might fit the bill. Or anything you have that’s sub £200… it’s all about the notes. In both respects!

Thanks all

[Pigmy Pony]

You missed this by a couple of weeks, but if you can find another, they really are superb for the money. I'd sell you mine, but I don't want to :D

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7XYAAOSweQhmuyyB/s-l1600.webp

This one went for £140, which is probably about right.

[glenann]

I’m not sure whether to thank you or not for that! :lol: I’ve just seen the new Schiit Saga 2. When they’re available it might be worth a look.

Thanks buddy

[Firebottle]

I have a relay controlled passive pre with 4 inputs if that is suitable?

https://ae-pic-a1.aliexpress-media.com/kf/Hf2a50b77aa99490687bc39ed4b228f09r/NEWest-RCA-Balance-passive-front-stage-remote-control-volume-control-relay-volume-control-American-DALE-Smurf.jpg_220x220q75.jpg_.avif

That's a generic picture, I don't have it with me atm. The unit is black case with silver front panel.

I have done a small mod to make it 0-64 steps to make volume adjustment more quickly. With 2 remote controls.

How does £80 posted sound?

[glenann]

Hi Alan,
Thanks for that. The price is certainly right! Even after owning a couple of passives in the past, I'm not that technical so unsure about compatibility with the Sumo. Thats why I thought about the Schiit Saga 2. It's passive, and has 2 gain levels.
I think the Sumo had a 47k input impedance. Would that be suitable with a passive?

[Firebottle]

Impedance of the Sumo is no problem, but there is no gain in the pre.

What will your source be? If it is a CD player or DAC with 2V output that should be OK.

[mr sneff]

I've got a Parasound Z pre 2 going spare.
Nice little remote controlled preamp, £160 delivered.

[glenann]

Yeah, I'm using an old M2Tech Young DAC I bought on here from Emmings some years ago. Still works great and has a 2.65Vrms output I believe?

[glenann]

I've got a Parasound Z pre 2 going spare.
Nice little remote controlled preamp, £160 delivered.

I'll look into that, not familiar with it. Thank you

[Macca]

I think input sensitivity is quite low on the Sumos. A passive will still work but you might get better results with a preamp that has gain.

I'd try it with both, sometimes it's the only way to be sure you're getting optimal sound quality.

[sanchezxxx]

I was looking for the same recently, just got a WIIM ultra as a stopgap out of curiosity.

When you see all the toys you get it’s actually a pretty powerful Pre with balance, room correction, parametric equaliser and sub out.

Going to have to spend some big money to beat it overall and it comes with a remote so you don’t have to keep looking at your screen.

[glenann]

I was looking for the same recently, just got a WIIM ultra as a stopgap out of curiosity.

When you see all the toys you get it’s actually a pretty powerful Pre with balance, room correction, parametric equaliser and sub out.

Going to have to spend some big money to beat it overall and it comes with a remote so you don’t have to keep looking at your screen.

This suggestion is a bit of a surprise.. I'm investigating as it could make my system somewhat simpler. It could replace DAC and Pi/DigiOne? Very interesting, thank you!

[ianlenco]

Coincidentally I was going to recommend the Wiim Ultra as well but decided it was just above your price point. Recently my Auralic Altair streamer broke down so I decided to get the Wiim and have been very impressed with its streaming capabilities. I also used it as a preamp for a while and it performed well in this role. Regarding the parametric equaliser I don't think this is available yet, it's on other Wiim streamers so will no doubt come with a firmware update in due course.
As an added bonus it also has a decent phono stage if you also play vinyl.

[glenann]

Soooo, I went to my local retailer with the intention of buying the Wiim. Then I backed out at the last moment! �� I'm using an Rpi 4 with a DigiOne into an M2Tech Young DAC. The Sumo Polaris arrives tomorrow. My speakers are Snell E/III's. I got cold feet because I'm not convinced it'll sound better than my gear with a 'proper' preamp. So I'm hoping the budget to around £400. See what that might get me ������

[Macca]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256735421414?

Best pre I've ever owned and I've owned a few (and still do). Proper Sony ES from the glory days.

Might get it as a spare if you don't want it - or someone else doesn't get to it first.

Use mine with a Krell which is not dissimilar from the Sumo you're getting.

[Pigmy Pony]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256735421414?

Best pre I've ever owned and I've owned a few (and still do). Proper Sony ES from the glory days.

Might get it as a spare if you don't want it - or someone else doesn't get to it first.

Use mine with a Krell which is not dissimilar from the Sumo you're getting.

That looks well worth a punt Glen - if I could make that work in my set up I'd be all over it.

[glenann]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256735421414?

Best pre I've ever owned and I've owned a few (and still do). Proper Sony ES from the glory days.

Might get it as a spare if you don't want it - or someone else doesn't get to it first.

Use mine with a Krell which is not dissimilar from the Sumo you're getting.

Another amp I've never heard of. I'll look into that thank you. I like some of the older Japanese stuff. This would make my DAC obsolete I'm guessing? Is it really that good in stereo then?

[Macca]

Another amp I've never heard of. I'll look into that thank you. I like some of the older Japanese stuff. This would make my DAC obsolete I'm guessing? Is it really that good in stereo then?

With my power amp it's outstanding. There's lots of features like 3 band PEQ, compression, expansion, but you don't have to use them. Great build quality. I reckon if they still made them they'd cost at least five grand.

[MotherSky]

I’m not sure whether to thank you or not for that! :lol: I’ve just seen the new Schiit Saga 2. When they’re available it might be worth a look.

Thanks buddy

I've got a Saga+, boxed as new listed on PFM and the Mav for £275 inc RMSD and an additional fancy NOS valve - I cannot overstate how ridiculously capable it is...

Drop me a PM on whichever forum (same slightly regrettable user name) - if you step on it, I could have it with you by Wednesday 🙂

[hifinutt]

the saga is highly recommended , you cant beat it for the money

[Macca]

the saga is highly recommended , you cant beat it for the money

If you can find one. Currently out of stock in the UK.

[MotherSky]

If you can find one. Currently out of stock in the UK.

As mentioned, I have a minty example for sale ��

[glenann]

Thank you for all your suggestions. I went on a Japanese pre hunting exercise for a while there, thanks to Macca. But then the Saga 2 came into stock briefly yesterday, so I ordered one of those. I realise the Sony will no doubt be better, but I'll keep an eye out for an outstanding one. Or one of the Onkyo Integra pre's, which are supposed to be superior?
Anyway, the Saga should be with me tomorrow hopefully. Thanks again everyone, appreciate your input :thumbsup:

[Firebottle]

Nice one.