Pre amp recommendations

[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.

[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.

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 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+ 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).