Preamp question: B&K or Adcom??

[dudlew]

Hello again.

I am soon to have an Adcom 5400 power amp to match the home gear I have in my sig ( the Adcom replaces the Pioneer).

I would like to get a pre, but just want your opinions.

I am scouring Audiogon and I see a B&K PT3 for auction at $150 right now. Is this a good deal?

I can also get from Audiogon an Adcom GTP450 for $200, a GTP502 for $375 and there are a few other pres from adcom below the $400 mark. Should I go for the B&K auction, or should I look at one of the Adcoms?

Also would it be worthwhile for me to save and look into the Parasound Halo P3 pre over the other options above?

I must add that the unit must have a remote and tone controls. I love music with a passion but I dont want to take the purist approach of no tone controls. I love the convenience and hence they are a necessity for me.

My price range is a max of $700 if it is worth it but I would like to keep it at $500 and under otherwise.

I asked this question at Audio Asylum and they just said that none of these pres are worth my money, but gave no other options.

All suggestions welcome.

D

 

[dudlew]

20+ views and no opinions ? come on guys!!

D

 

[D-EJ915]

when I was looking for Pre/Pro and Amp combos and receivers I looked at B&K receivers and they are good, but I don't know about their pre/pro's...I know Adcom pre/pros used to be good, but haven't seen any lately.

 

[kartik]

I tried the GSP-560 surround processor/ amplifier and was sorely disappointed by the sound, the finish and the build quality. In the end it just packed up and is completely dead. I would run as far as possible from ADCOM. If you aren't really looking for audiophile grade preamps consider the Audiosource preamps, both cheap and sound good. Else you could always look for a mass-market product like a Sony/Yamaha/Onkyo. Most really great audiophile preamps have neither tone controls nor remotes, after all if it is really that good it shouldn't need any adjustments in tone/volume/source once the music is playing. Good Luck with your search.

 

[dudlew]

Quote:

Most really great audiophile preamps have neither tone controls nor remotes, after all if it is really that good it shouldn't need any adjustments in tone/volume/source once the music is playing. Good Luck with your search.

True about the equipment....... but 1) I Aint no purist and 2) some recordings may be too bright or bass shy etc and I like having the ability to adjust these aspects to tailor the sound to my liking, moods etc.

I think I will prefer to stay with my Hafler before I go AudioSource. No disrespect to audio source, but I think my preamp is worth keeping if I cant get at least as good with the convenience, and I dont think the AudioSource gear would be better than NAD. My brother who has a NAD C340/50 wanted to buy my pre from me after hearing it through the power amp section of his amp.

I like the sound of my pre but just wish it had more inputs and a remote.

Well I guess I will stick it out with my pre until I am ultra rich and own $70,000 in equipment.

D

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

Why not try the Adcom GFP-750? It can be had used for around 600, or 700 bucks, and it's one of the best pre-amps regardless of price.

 

[Gallaine]

I've never heard the B&K PT3 but I owned a B&K Reference 10 A/V preamp. It was well built, good fit-and-finish, and a bit utilitarian looking. FWIW, it was awesome for HT but only "good" for music. Adding a tubed preamp for the main L/R channels turned "good" music into "great" music. Don't know if these comments hold true for the PT3.