altec preamps?

[Phil-G]

so i got an altec amp to go with my speakers. and most of the opinions i've seen here are that the preamp is possibly the most important part. altec made a few preamps. any suggestians on one that would work with a 9442A? i want to keep this an altec system as much as i can.

[Phil-G]

anybody?

[johnobub]

I sent a response but it didn't show up.

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Altec Lansing Mixer Preamplifier 1700C Model |


Altec Lansing Power Amplifier Anniversary Series Model 9441A 300 Watts |

[johnobub]

anybody?

I've always considered Altec good at speakers but preamps? What about a Crown instead?

[bowtie427ss]

I've always considered Altec good at speakers but preamps? What about a Crown instead?

Maybe a PSL-2(straight line), if he can find one. Straight line one has no tone controls or loudness contour, and doesn't sound like the PSL-2 which also has basic tone controls.

I wouldn't waste my time with an IC-150/150A unless you're technically savvy enough to do a complete board level rebuild. They are not a good sounding preamp in stock form IMO. But, with a good freshening and replacement of some obsolete components they can sound pretty good. However, what you end up with is several hundred bucks invested in a preamp with a upper market value of 150 bucks or so. Not a problem if you're going to keep it and use it. Very disappointing if you decide you don't like it and want to flip it.

Price is very reflective of the sound quality on these, a couple good examples here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CLEAN-EXCELL...item43bca9ed4f

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crown-PSL-2-...item232becb74f

IMO, you can buy a Japanese preamp that comes very close to the PSL-2 for 1/3 of the cost or less.

Just my .02................... YMMV

[sanhanul]

and most of the opinions i've seen here are that the preamp is possibly the most important part. altec made a few preamps.
.

These days I become very skeptical of the value, function of pre amplifier in the middle of source and power amplifier. If you can somehow control volume and choose source, with such as passive pre , I think not to put anything between power amplifier and source is the best. ( if you are using only one source and your power amplifier has gain control, you wouldn't need that either)
If you have a very good pre amplifier it will pass all the information from your source equip such as CD to power amplifier without adding any character or losing any information. If not, it is just headache.
But, it will be different story if you need treble, base control, loudness. If you are a Vinyl lover and make things simple from phone EQ or stepup transformer etc...that will be another story.

[alancohen]

These days I become very skeptical of the value, function of pre amplifier in the middle of source and power amplifier. If you can somehow control volume and choose source, with such as passive pre , I think not to put anything between power amplifier and source is the best. ( if you are using only one source and your power amplifier has gain control, you wouldn't need that either)
If you have a very good pre amplifier it will pass all the information from your source equip such as CD to power amplifier without adding any character or losing any information. If not, it is just headache.
But, it will be different story if you need treble, base control, loudness. If you are a Vinyl lover and make things simple from phone EQ or stepup transformer etc...that will be another story.

A similar discussion just went on over here: conventional passive preamp thinking may be wrong - Transcendent Sound Message Board

A passive volume control can work if properly designed, implemented and buffered. I have seem some that cost $1000s.

With all this equipment I've amassed over the passed year, my Grounded Grid preamp is the understated jewel of my system.

[bowtie427ss]

If you have a very good pre amplifier it will pass all the information from your source equip such as CD to power amplifier without adding any character or losing any information.

A kinda big "if".

In close to 40 years of listening, my experience is that preamplifiers tend to be the MOST COLORED component in an audio system second only to loudspeakers. The really good ones keep it to a minimum and will require a very revealing system to evidence their personalities.

My own personal battle with them is that the few that approach sonic perfection(IMO) compromise too many comfort and convenience features for me to live with long term.

I've settled for "good enough" for now. Loudness contour, bass and treble controls, and a remote were all welcome returns. Thank You Frank Mcintosh and Gordon Gow!

[Altec Best]

My own personal battle with them is that the few that approach sonic perfection(IMO) compromise too many comfort and convenience features for me to live with long term.

I've settled for "good enough" for now. Loudness contour, bass and treble controls, and a remote were all welcome returns. Thank You Frank Mcintosh and Gordon Gow!

That's me in a nutshell ! I used to fiddle with my gear constantly in my 20's and 30's now I'm in my later 40's I can't live with out a remote,,

I don't use the loudness contour as i rarely listen to it at low enough volumes.. I keep the tone contols set to 0. And use my EQ set at where i like the sound tonally and just listen to my music... And ENJOY !

[alancohen]

Nut me. I have a volume knob and a 3-input selector switch on my preamp: MacMini, TT and cable box. That's it. No loudness, tone or remote. I really don't miss any of them...especially another remote! There is something satisfyingly tactile about turning a volume knob.

Viva le Difference! That's my "good enough" for now.