Need Pre-amp recommendation for A21

[zoltm]

Fellow inmates,

I am looking for a recommendation for a Balanced Pre-amp to go with my A21.

Personally, I have good previous experience with Tube based pre-amp to go with good SS amp. I would like to get some recommendation from you.

Definitely, JC2 is on the radar, however, it is SS based.

My budget would be something no more than $5,000. I don't mind going with pre-own unit.

Thanks

[r100gs]

With that budget I would go for a JC2. Try to demo one if you can. With a $5000 budget you options may be better spent on speakers, source or a new amp. What is your current setup?

[2002ss335]

I was using a Parasound P/LD 2000 with my A21 and early last summer replaced it with a Pass Labs X-1. The X-1 made the biggest improvement in my system of any upgrade I have ever done.

The funny thing is I know of a guy that did the same thing and went back to the 2000 with his JC-1s.

Regards,
Todd

[Chris D]

Hey, Todd, welcome to the Guide and Club Parasound! :banana:

[milpai]

I have been using a passive preamp (Promitheus TVC) very successfully with this amp and could not be happier. Absolutely transparent combination with precise imaging and soundstaging.