Pre Amp and CD Player recommendations

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by clew84

Good point and the idea of not overspending now is a good one. I am going to have to go take a listen to that combo then. I have always thought NAD is good for the money and spending more on the CD player is probably a better investment.

Of course a dealer of mine is pushing me towards keeping it all in the family and adding Bryston's new CD player and one of their preamps. However, that is a little much for my budget.

So you heard the REGA according to another thread.

Thoughts?

[clew84]

I have heard it and liked it - a friend has one paired with B&W bookshelves (700 series) and a Rotel preamp. I thought it was very good - good detail, easy to listen to.

The problem with any comparison is that it is highly unlikely I will ever be able to sit down with multiple players and listen to them on the same equipment and speakers. So it's always hard for me to say how it sounded. Compared to my friend's NAD 5-disc changer he used before, it was much better and clearer. Acoustic guitars seemed to pop more, bass was better, and the midrange was not as muddy. The NAD piece was good but not as good as the Apollo.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by clew84

I have heard it and liked it - a friend has one paired with B&W bookshelves (700 series) and a Rotel preamp. I thought it was very good - good detail, easy to listen to.

The problem with any comparison is that it is highly unlikely I will ever be able to sit down with multiple players and listen to them on the same equipment and speakers. So it's always hard for me to say how it sounded. Compared to my friend's NAD 5-disc changer he used before, it was much better and clearer. Acoustic guitars seemed to pop more, bass was better, and the midrange was not as muddy. The NAD piece was good but not as good as the Apollo.

Ask your local REGA and NAD dealers if you can overnight test their demos. Let them take your credit info and if you don't return it they can charge you. Most high end stores will do this.

[clew84]

That's a good idea - I'm going to do that.

I am also going to audition a couple of new pieces - the Parasound P3 preamp with the Cambridge Audio 840C. Parasound makes solid equipment and it is relatively inexpensive ($800) for a preamp with balanced connections.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by clew84

That's a good idea - I'm going to do that.

I am also going to audition a couple of new pieces - the Parasound P3 preamp with the Cambridge Audio 840C. Parasound makes solid equipment and it is relatively inexpensive ($800) for a preamp with balanced connections.

I know the NAD mates well with the REGA, let us know how that P3 does I'd be interested in knowing the details. Especially since they're close in price.