Preamp advice (active speakers setup)

[alidark3000]

I currently listen with an AT-LP40wn TT, a Marantz CD5005 and streaming via the computer. 

 

The CD and TT are connected to a little desktop amp (AudioEngine N22). The computer feeds an ifi Zen Dac v2. 

 

My speakers are powered (Adam Audio T5Vs), and I have to constantly reach around to switch the input source between the dac (PC) and the amp (CD, TT). Otherwise it's not too bad as I get volume control via both and can leave the Adams turned up.

 

It's all a little unwieldy though, and I've been thinking simplify as well as upgrade the phono stage on the TT for a while.

 

I can spend about 1k (AU) and am looking at some Rotel integrated amps . However I would paying for things I’m not using. 

 

On the other hand, but rarer maybe at my price point, is a preamp like the Project Pre Box DS2. It seems to make more sense, but it is more of an unknown, especially the phono stage. I would also like it to have more analog inputs. 

 

Question - should I be looking at preamp units for better value seeing as I don't need the amp function? If so, what are some others I might look at? The Rotel RX-1572 mk2 looks perfect although just out of budget.

 

Or, is it just as good to get something like the Rotel a12 MK2 and use it via the pre-out, ignoring the amp?

Edited November 14, 2023 by alidark3000
Clarity

[RankStranger]

$1000 and a bit of patience will get you a really excellent 2nd-hand pre-amp out of the classifieds that will happily carry you through a few other system upgrades. Unless you have your heart set on new, that would be the way to go. 
 

if you don’t have to have the phono stage built into the pre-amp, the phono version of your zen dac is excellent value for money and takes a pretty significant investment to beat. 

if you really must buy new, consider that the Rotel (and Pro-Ject) distributor has some pretty aggressive specials going at the moment. That might take some of the sting out of getting features/functions that you don’t currently need, but might yet appreciate down the track

 

good luck  

[alidark3000]

Thanks for your input @RankStranger. 

 

Yeah I really love the Zen dac. I do plan to get the ifi Zen phono down the track, if I'm not satisfied by the phono in whatever amp/pre I get. 

 

I'm kind of wondering if the amplification in my Adams will cut it long term now, and am thinking an integrated might give me an upgrade path for passive speakers in the future, so I'm tending towards the a12 mk2, which I've heard has a great amp for the price, especially with current discounts. I'm guessing the preamp will do for now. Down the track I might either upgrade the preamp or both. 

 

Buying new is something I'd rather do after a few dubious second hand purchases over the years. Also I can't see many preamps in my price range listed. There is a rotel rc-1572 on gumtree so that is a possibility.

 

 

[Guest]

Rather than moving away from active speakers to amplifier plus passive speakers, suggest moving the other direction and simplify your setup with say a Kef Lsx Wireless.

 

Many people do not realise it is easier to get better sound quality with a simplified setup than stitching many components together.  My journey here. 

[alidark3000]

Thanks @Snoopy8 I can absolutely understand this. The snake pit is real.

 

While sound quality might be one consideration I'm also in it for the hobby of collecting physical media. I was a teenager in the 90s and lusted after stereo equipment I could never afford, so now it's baked into my brain to desire these things. 

 

What I'm after in a system is also a lot of flexibility to listen to different sources. I will probably end with DAC, CD, phono and maybe even an airplay unit connected. 

[Guest]

Glad you recognise the snake pit because many don't.

 

You can take either "just add a streamer" e.g. KEF LSX Wireless,  LS50 Wireless, Buchardt A500 or "just add speakers" e.g. BlueSound PowerNode, Audiolab Omnia, Cambridge Audio EVO-75, NAD M10.  

 

Have provided some examples for different budgets to give you an idea of what is possible and perhaps a roadmap...

[RankStranger]

1 hour ago, Snoopy8 said:

Glad you recognise the snake pit because many don't.

 

You can take either "just add a streamer" e.g. KEF LSX Wireless,  LS50 Wireless, Buchardt A500 or "just add speakers" e.g. BlueSound PowerNode, Audiolab Omnia, Cambridge Audio EVO-75, NAD M10.  

 

Have provided some examples for different budgets to give you an idea of what is possible and perhaps a roadmap...

C’mon, Snoop… the snake pit’s half the fun!  

[alidark3000]

I ended up getting the Rotel a11 Tribute amp. I'm pretty happy with the choice as the preamp sounds good to me and I have the option to add speakers at some point. 

 

I like the absence of digital inputs and everything seems to be great so far. It's nice to have everything plugged in at once.  

Edited November 19, 2023 by alidark3000
brevity

[RankStranger]

Awesome. That will give you lots of options for great passive speakers when you get the itch (don’t worry, you’ll get the itch )