SS Preamp search

Hi everyone,

thought I'd post some questions here rather than just bombarding a select (lucky haha) few members with my amateurish musings!

Anyway, I need an SS preamp. I'm planning a future build using a Neurochrome buffer board but this isn't available until next month and will likely take a while to assemble the rest of the bits that are worthy of a "proper" build.

In the mean time I've been looking into what is available for a reasonable outlay, lets say under £200 (although flexible). I'm leaning more towards the chi-fi end of the spectrum as you do get a lot of parts for your money it seems. Of course I'm not expecting the last (or even the second or third last!) word in quality here.

I quite like the little glorified volume controls like this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3296...c004pqop6&mp=1


Also this Naim copy looks pretty good.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3301...c007dQ2rA&mp=1


Remote would be nice but not absolutely vital.
Also ability to upgrade components like volume pots/transformers etc would be good.

I'm well open to any suggestions, thanks in advance guys!

Cheers

Chris

I have a very nice Primare Pre 30 in black which is fully remote controlled, input selection, input gain, balance and volume but I’d need £500 plus postage for it.

Might be a stretch too far but you should get your money back when you’re done with it.

The review of the Naim copy states there is a hum, also, when Alan tested that relay volume control board, he found it to be less than perfect. IIRC

The first link is effectively a passive with the transformer powering the relays etc.

Heard one, and for £100 it pretty much recommends itself but It didn't last long here.

Second link looks ok, but if the Neurochrome buffer is out next month, why not hang on?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bigman80

Second link looks ok, but if the Neurochrome buffer is out next month, why not hang on?

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This pre is really just for me to have as stop gap before the Neurochrome build begins but I also plan to use it in a much cheaper errrr third system where absolute SQ is not actually paramount. AARRRGGGHHHH blasphemy blasphemy!!

Obviously I'd still like something half decent but functionality of having more than one input are the main criteria. Now I think about it a remote probably is important so I'll bump that up the priority list . . .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnJo

I have a very nice Primare Pre 30 in black which is fully remote controlled, input selection, input gain, balance and volume but I’d need £500 plus postage for it.

Might be a stretch too far but you should get your money back when you’re done with it.

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Thanks John,

probably a slight stretch for me at the moment. I know the Primare's are very good though.

If priorities change I'll keep it in mind. Nice one.

Found a good deal on a Musical Fidelity A3.2 CR preamp . . . (rather than risk the chi-fi lottery!)

Any thoughts??

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Opti-cal

Found a good deal on a Musical Fidelity A3.2 CR preamp . . . (rather than risk the chi-fi lottery!)

Any thoughts??

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Nothing Immediatly screams 'avoid'

For a cheaper version of the first link try this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3284...7-ff334eb1f9ad

The switched relay/resistor units are much better than an Alps Blue, however there is no gain.

(I feel lucky...I feel lucky....etc)

Or even cheaper from ebay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Finished-...53.m1438.l2649

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Opti-cal

I quite like the little glorified volume controls like this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3296...c004pqop6&mp=1

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I've had one of these for a while now - very transparent sound indeed. Only downside is the poorly designed remote where you have to take it apart to change battery.