Tuner/Pre-amp

[RWebb]

as this appears to be the season for stereo questions I want to post this before the end of 2012...

I am looking for a good tuner/pre unit for a 2nd stereo setup (master bedroom downstairs)

best quality I can get for ~~ $400 or less

and must have a remote

thx

[imcarthur]

A tuner/pre? Good luck. They were never that popular & tuner sales have plummeted. Look at a net player with a remote & use internet radio or one of the music services or stream etc.

Ian

[RWebb]

ok, then - how about a receiver and I then sell my old nad amp?

doesn't Cambridge Audio make a small receiver?


BTW - it has to drive my small epos speakers

[rouxroux]

Dsng. if you could do w/o a remote I'd say either an old Nakamichi 630 or an Advent 300 (decouple the amp). Both great little units and very cheap these days.

[imcarthur]

$1199 retail . . . so well out of your budget. We have a cheaper one coming but even it will be $900 retail. For what you want to spend, hit craigslist for something with a remote.

Like this one Pioneer Elite

Ian

[RWebb]

you think Pioneer has better sound quality than Denon?


- I see the Cambridge Audio - Sonata all over the place for $500??

[imcarthur]

As just a tuner/pre it is a toss up. As an amplifier, it would be better, I believe.

Ian

[enzoducoing]

Best bang for buck in that price range (maybe a little more) is Peachtree Audio by far. All of their components are countertop/desktop do-it-all wonders that have won innumerable awards worldwide. They are also for sale at your local Best Buy.

[LWJ]

I am not an "audiophile" but I have been a musician for a bunch of decades and know what I like sound-wise. I just did this. Went to Goodwill and found a sweet receiver for $40. Sounds great. Go ahead and dis me but I am $360 ahead of your budget. For a part time rig, it does just fine.

Just another opinion.
Larry

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by LWJ

I am not an "audiophile" but I have been a musician for a bunch of decades and know what I like sound-wise. I just did this. Went to Goodwill and found a sweet receiver for $40. Sounds great. Go ahead and dis me but I am $360 ahead of your budget. For a part time rig, it does just fine.

Just another opinion.
Larry

Well done. Nothing wrong with second hand.

[imcarthur]

Randy

What are you using the unit for? I assume you have an amplifier? One thing to bear in mind buying used, is to make sure it has pre outs.

Ian

[RWebb]

for a 2nd stereo setup (master bedroom downstairs); must have a remote

I have an old NAD amp already that is no longer used.

thoughts re the Cambridge Audio - Sonata?

it's $500 - worth it maybe?

[imcarthur]

Here's your problem. You can't get the signal from a Sonata (for example) to your NAD amp because it lacks a preamplifier output. It is rare for a 2 channel receiver to have a preamp out. A lot of 5.1/7.1 receivers do have line level outputs, so consumers can use separate power amps for some of the channels.

Ian

[Cajundaddy]

Webb,
Look at Yamaha. The R-S 500 is a clean and simple receiver with quality components and sells in your price range. Only the features you need without all the nutty 5.1 stuff. It does have a pre-out so you could use the NAD but the onboard Yamaha amp is pretty clean. I own a pair of older versions of these and they have served me well. Give it a listen and trust your ears.

Amazon.com: Yamaha R-S500BL Natural Sound Stereo Receiver (Black): Electronics

[techweenie]

Randy, I've sought the same thing. Just get a good receiver with line level out. You're gonna have amps sitting there, but these things have gotten so cheap, you wont care.

Got a promo email today on the Harman Kardon AVR1700 marked down from $499 to $199 -- as an example.

[willtel]

What about this?

Arcam Alpha 9 Preamplifier | Solid state | Conway, 72034 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community

I can't say I know what the difference is between a pre-amp tuner and a receiver.

[tabs]

Originally Posted by willtel

What about this?

Arcam Alpha 9 Preamplifier | Solid state | Conway, 72034 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community

I can't say I know what the difference is between a pre-amp tuner and a receiver.

A Receiver is an intergrated unit that has a Tuner, Pre Amp and Amp. wt inputs for other components.
A Tuner Pre Amp needs an Amp to make sound.

A Tuner is a component for a Pre Amp and Amp. As are Turn Tables, CD Players, tape recorders etc.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

Here's your problem. You can't get the signal from a Sonata (for example) to your NAD amp because it lacks a preamplifier output. It is rare for a 2 channel receiver to have a preamp out. A lot of 5.1/7.1 receivers do have line level outputs, so consumers can use separate power amps for some of the channels.

Ian

will it drive my epos speakers ok?

then I can sell the NAD amp...

[imcarthur]

14s? No typical receiver would do well with those. The darker character of the NAD would suit them . . . hmmm. Back to the used AV receiver with pre-outs.

Ian

[RWebb]

no no - they are els-3 speakers - small acoustic suspension design